Ukrainian refugees
Taking in People from Ukraine: How Does It Work?
A war has been raging in Ukraine since February 2022. As a result, millions of people have fled their homes in search of safety. Geldrop-Mierlo is also helping with the nationwide effort to provide shelter for people who have left Ukraine because of the war.
Different rules apply to Ukrainian displaced persons than to asylum seekers. They are covered by the European Temporary Protection Directive (TPD). As a result, they do not first have to go through a full asylum procedure to receive protection in the Netherlands. Under Requirements , they are entitled to shelter, medical care Health, education, and the right to work. Temporary protection is currently in effect through March 4, 2027.
The reception of Ukrainian displaced persons is therefore not covered by the Distribution Act.
Childcare in Geldrop-Mierlo
Geldrop-Mierlo provides municipal shelter for Ukrainian displaced persons at various locations. These include:
- the former GGD building at 33 Stationsstraat;
- a smaller shelter at Sporkehout;
- a group facility on Geldropseweg;
- a number of homes on Bogardeind;
- the guest house of the BouwInfra Campus Helmond de Peel on Goorsedijk in Mierlo. This facility provides shelter for unaccompanied Ukrainian youth.
The available shelter spaces are almost entirely full. Therefore, people who are able to arrange their own housing are asked to do so. This ensures that the available municipal shelter spaces remain available for those who need them most. Even people who live independently must register with the municipality where they are staying.
“No one chooses to leave their home and family behind. That’s why we believe it’s important for Ukrainian refugees to feel safe and welcome in Geldrop-Mierlo—a place where they can find peace, where there’s room to build a new daily life, and where they know they’re not alone.”
Temporary protection: What does that mean?
Temporary protection grants Ukrainian displaced persons a number of important rights. They may stay in the Netherlands without first going through the asylum process. They are also entitled to shelter and access to medical Health and education, provided they meet the criteria set forth in the Requirements . In addition, they may work in the Netherlands without their employer needing a work permit.
Temporary protection is intended as a temporary solution for as long as returning to Ukraine is not safe or possible due to the war. The European regulation is currently in effect through March 4, 2027. In the meantime, the Dutch government is working on policies for the period after that, including options for residence and support for return once it is safe to do so again.
Registration and Reception
People from Ukraine who are covered by temporary protection must register with the municipality where they are staying. Those who have found their own housing should register with the municipality. Those who are unable to arrange their own housing can contact a municipality to request shelter.
If Geldrop-Mierlo is unable to provide shelter at that time, alternatives elsewhere in the region will be explored. The Regional Coordination Center for Refugee Distribution (RCVS) is called upon for this purpose. If no shelter is available regionally either, the request can be escalated to the national level.
Living Expenses and Work
Ukrainian displaced persons who are covered by temporary protection may receive a living allowance. This consists of money for clothing and personal expenses and, depending on their living situation, money for food. Those living with a host family may also receive an additional allowance. The amount of the living allowance depends on factors such as age and family composition.
They are allowed to work without a work permit. When an adult Ukrainian displaced person starts working or receives Dutch benefits, the family’s living allowance is discontinued. Working must therefore remain financially attractive.
The rules regarding living expenses and the personal contribution for childcare have changed recently. Therefore, for current amounts and Requirements , please refer to Rijksoverheid and Senzer.
Education, Health , and Participation
Children and young people from Ukraine have access to education. Medical Health is also provided. Adults have the opportunity to work and participate in society. The municipality of Geldrop-Mierlo believes it is important for people staying here to be as independent as possible and to become part of society. Language, work, education, sports, and interaction with local residents help make this possible.
The Role of the Municipality
The municipality is responsible for organizing and managing municipal shelter facilities and collaborates with various organizations to ensure that shelter and support are properly arranged. The municipality also handles the registration of people staying in Geldrop-Mierlo and administers programs such as the living allowance.
The municipality does not decide on temporary protection. The rules governing this are established at the European and national levels. Nor does the municipality determine when the war in Ukraine will end or when people will be able to return safely.
What will happen after March 4, 2027?
The temporary protection is currently in effect through March 4, 2027. Plans for exactly what will happen after that are being developed at the national and European levels. The government is working on a transition to a situation in which people who wish to remain in the Netherlands will need a different basis for residence. At the same time, efforts are underway to support voluntary return to Ukraine when it is safe and responsible to do so.
For residents and organizations assisting Ukrainian displaced persons, the situation and regulations can sometimes be complicated. On this page, we have therefore compiled the most important information about shelter, residence, work, education, Health , and support in Geldrop-Mierlo.
Help and Support
Have you come to Geldrop-Mierlo from Ukraine yourself, are you helping a Ukrainian displaced person, or would you like to help? LEV offers support and guidance and can assist with questions regarding, for example, housing, well-being, community involvement, and practical matters. You can reach LEV by phone at (0492) 59 89 89 or by email at oekraine.geldrop-mierlo@levgroep.nl.
Do you have questions about living expenses? If so, please visit theSenzer website at. Are you an employer and would you like more information about hiring Ukrainians? If so, you can find more information on theUWV website at.
For more information about arrival, registration, and staying in the Netherlands, please visit the website of the Rijksoverheid. For general information about reception in the Netherlands, please visit theRefugeeHelpwebsite at andGovernment.nl at.
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