What happens next with the 'third country nationals' from Ukraine?

There are currently a number of rulings in which judges rule that the outgoing cabinet cannot simply revoke the right of residence of third-country nationals. Municipalities and refugee organizations fear that part of this group will not leave and will disappear into illegality.

If temporary protection for third-country nationals ends, they have two options: apply for asylum in the Netherlands or return to their country of birth, where they have sometimes not been for many years and have no prospects for the future. For those who continue with their asylum application, it means a new period of waiting and little permission. Only from the moment they have a residence status can they start integrating and become entitled to government benefits such as student financing.

The UAF helps refugees who are in the asylum procedure and will almost certainly receive a residence status with information and advice. If there is a need for UAF guidance and financial support, we will do everything within our power to help these students move forward.

The UAF believes that access to education in the Netherlands should be guaranteed for refugee students, regardless of their country of origin. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, we have repeatedly advocated this together with educational umbrella organizations to the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Some of the refugee students still have no opportunities to study (further).