Index.php
Yes, it is possible to temporarily leave the Netherlands, for example, for family visits. In order to maintain your rights in the Netherlands, any departure must always be reported to the municipality. Upon return, the guest must also notify the municipality. The maximum duration of a stay outside the Netherlands is 28 days. Staying away longer or leaving and returning without notice can have consequences for your guest’s rights. You can find more information here.
We often hear from host families that they find it challenging to end the period of cohabitation. There is (still) little perspective for the Ukrainian displaced individuals, and much remains uncertain. Sometimes, cohabitation continues despite little enthusiasm for it, mainly due to this uncertainty. Private shelter is always a temporary solution. Additionally, your guest retains the right to shelter. Hence, nobody will be left on the streets. Providing accommodation against your will is not a good idea. Therefore, we strongly advise against it. We urge you to get in touch with your municipality to discuss possible solutions.
Yes, all individuals covered under Temporary Protection are entitled to living expenses (leefgeld). The requirement is that the person is registered in the Basic Persons Registration (Basisregistratie Personen) of a Dutch municipality. The municipality provides this allowance, which can be deposited into the guest’s bank account, a money card, or given in cash. The living expenses for people staying in private accommodation consist of three components for:
1. Food
2. Clothing
3. Extra allowance for refugees living with a host family
The amount of these components depends on the composition and size of the household. Please find additional information here.
The choice of school for children’s education is up to the child’s parents. Our advice is to first contact the municipality. They can provide an overview of schools that have available spots and offer additional language education or language classes if needed. Based on this information, parents can make a decision.
Yes, in principle, all underage Ukrainian children must attend school in the Netherlands. They have the same right to education and compulsory education as everyone else. Children aged 4 to 12 attend primary school (elementary education). After that, they move on to secondary school. Children who have just arrived in the Netherlands and do not speak Dutch typically attend special classes for newcomers. This can be within a regular school or a special school. Usually, after about 1 school year, they transition to a regular class.
Maternity care is also covered by the RMO. This means that your guest is entitled to midwifery care and maternity assistance. When there is a (suspected) pregnancy, it is advisable to first visit the GP. The GP will then refer the pregnant woman to a midwife or, if necessary, to a gynecologist at the hospital. The midwife and/or gynecologist will provide guidance during pregnancy and childbirth. They will also inform your guest about matters such as registering for maternity assistance. The maternity nurse provides care and support to the mother and child during the first 8 to 10 days after childbirth.
- Individualism versus collectivism: Dutch people are known for their individualistic culture, where individual freedom and independence are highly valued. On the other hand, Ukrainian culture is more collectivist, emphasizing the importance of family, community, and tradition.
- Directness versus indirectness: Dutch people are known for their direct and open communication style, while Ukrainians often communicate indirectly and cautiously.
- Punctuality: Dutch people are generally very punctual and expect others to be as well. In Ukrainian culture, it’s not uncommon to arrive late and be more flexible with time.
- Food and drink: Dutch dishes are known for their simplicity and straightforwardness, whereas Ukrainian cuisine is often richer and more based on tradition and local ingredients. Additionally, in Dutch culture, it’s common to drink water or coffee with meals, while in Ukrainian culture, tea or juice is often consumed.
- Holidays: The Netherlands has various national holidays like King’s Day and Liberation Day, while Ukraine focuses on religious and historical holidays such as Easter, Christmas, and Independence Day.
Although there are differences between Ukrainian and Dutch culture and identity, there are also similarities. For instance, both cultures value honesty, respect, and hospitality.
In the Netherlands, we distinguish between two forms of accommodation. First is a Municipal accommodation. It is available in many municipalities, where Ukrainians can stay after registering at one of the designated registration locations. Second, Ukrainians can also be privately hosted. This involves a mutually voluntary form of accommodation. This can be with family or friends already living in the Netherlands, or with host families who open their homes for accommodation. Besides municipal and private accommodation, Ukrainian refugees are increasingly managing to arrange independent housing (rooms, rental, purchase) on their own.
The greatest gift is your hospitality. By opening up your home, you provide your guest with a safe and pleasant place to stay. Discuss with your guest how and with what you can assist them. This varies from person to person. While one guest might be very independent and can navigate their way well in the Netherlands, another might be quite anxious, and it would be nice if you could help them feel at home. A listening ear, providing a warm and homely environment, doing activities together like shopping or eating, experiencing the everyday normal life… all of these things can be helpful.
It is adviced to arrange a stay for a duration of 3 months. Experience has shown that this is a manageable period for both parties. In some cases, the guest and host family decide together to extend the cohabitation through mutual agreement. Especially if, for example, you have a separate floor or a garden cottage where your guest stays, the impact of their stay on your private life doesn’t have to be significant. Conversely, if you are sharing a small apartment with a guest, the impact on your life can be considerable. Our advice is therefore to establish clear agreements with your guest about the duration of their stay before you begin living together. Remember that your guest retains the right to shelter in the Netherlands and will never be left homeless.
As a host family, you make a difference. However, it’s certainly a significant step to share your home with other people for a shorter or longer period of time. Below, we’ve outlined several practical matters for you:
- It’s important that your guest has access to at least one private space. Think of an attic floor, guest room, basement, or (heated) garden cottage.
- Keep in mind that you’ll be sharing facilities such as the bathroom, toilet, and kitchen with your guests. What agreements would you like to establish regarding these shared spaces?
- How much space do you have for people? What kind of individuals would fit well with your home and neighborhood?For instance, is there a nearby school if children are coming along?
- Are you open to hosting pets (dogs or cats), or would you prefer not to?
- Consider that your living costs (gas, water, electricity) may increase when you have guests. You can discuss this and ask for a contribution from your guests to cover those expenses.
It’s wonderful to hear that you’re interested in becoming a host family. As a host family, you provide a warm and secure home for people who have fled from Ukraine. Until August 25th 2023, it was possible to sign up as a host family with RefugeeHomeNL. However, various small initiatives have been launched throughout the Netherlands concerning the private accommodation of Ukrainian refugees. Inquire with your municipality or search on Google to find out about the initiatives in your area and how you can get involved. Additionally, https://takecarebnb.org/ is also looking for host families for the temporary housing of refugees and those with protected status.
Contactformulier EN 2.00
"*" indicates required fields