A large number of third-country nationals who sought shelter in the Netherlands following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, have been instructed to leave the country by Monday.
Most of those affected, including students and young workers from Ukraine, have been demonstrating in the streets of Amsterdam, accusing the recently-elected far-right Dutch government of discrimination.
The decision to expel these individuals came after a Dutch high court ruling in January that terminated a European Union policy allowing Ukrainian nationals and residents to stay in the country. Those impacted must depart by March 4 or face forced deportation.
The Netherlands initially welcomed those fleeing Ukraine at the beginning of the conflict in 2022, based on a Temporary Protection Directive from the EU. This directive granted Ukrainian refugees and permanent residents shelter until March 4, 2024, with the possibility of extensions.
Unlike some other European Union countries, the Netherlands did not differentiate between Ukrainian nationals and those with temporary permits, such as thousands of students from countries like India, Nigeria, Morocco, and Egypt who had been living and studying in Ukraine before the war broke out.
However, the Dutch government changed its stance in early 2023 and notified third-country nationals to vacate their shelters and the country by September 4, 2023. The government argued that those who could safely return home were taking advantage of the protection system.
Many individuals worked with immigration lawyers to challenge the government’s decision, leading to conflicting rulings in district courts. The case eventually reached the Council of State, which determined that Dutch authorities were not authorized to expel third-country nationals covered by the EU directive.
Despite the ruling, the permits for these individuals are set to expire on March 4, as the EU extension did not explicitly mention third-country nationals.
As the deadline approaches, third-country nationals are left uncertain about their future in the Netherlands. Some may have to leave, while others continue to fight for their right to stay. The situation remains contentious, with legal battles ongoing and time running out for those caught in the middle.