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Yes, all individuals covered under the Temporary Protection Directive are allowed to engage in paid employment in the Netherlands. At that point, the living expenses allowance will be discontinued. You can find more information about this in the Work, Education & Leisure section.
As mentioned, Ukrainian displaced individuals are at risk of exploitation by employers. It would be helpful if you are vigilant for potential signs of exploitation:
- There is no employment agreement or contract.
- The employer only wants to pay in cash.
- Salary is not paid, partially paid, or paid late.
- Dangerous work or an unsafe workplace.
- Working long hours.
- The employer retains passports and documents.
- Evasive answers to questions about the nature of the work.
The short answer is that your guest has the same rights and responsibilities as Dutch citizens when working. Unfortunately, Ukrainian displaced individuals are often vulnerable to exploitation and mistreatment in practice. Help your guest avoid these risks by ensuring that the following aspects are properly arranged:
- The salary is at least the minimum wage.
- Vacation, days off, and reporting absences.
- Salary is paid monthly into your guest’s bank account.
Your guest can find a paid job through various methods:
- Through major job search websites like Indeed or Nationale Vacaturebank
- Through staffing agencies
- Through the municipal employment agency or the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency)
- Through RefugeeWork, a platform with job listings for refugees in 11 languages
- Through friends, family, and acquaintances
Yes, Ukrainian displaced persons are allowed to work in the Netherlands as employees. Your guest must meet the following conditions to do so:
- The guest falls under the Temporary Protection Directive.
- The guest is registered in the Basic Persons Registration (BRP).
- The guest has a Citizen Service Number (BSN)*.
- The guest has a valid proof of residence.
*An individual automatically receives a BSN upon registration in the BRP.
Note: Your guest’s living allowance will be stopped once they start earning income from work, regardless of the amount of their salary.
Your guest is in a vulnerable position. People from Ukraine are at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking and exploitation. They can be forced into work, sex work, or criminal activities under distressing circumstances. Signs that may indicate this:
- Your guest receives a job offer that sounds “too good to be true.”
- Your guest doesn’t have their own identification documents, or someone else always speaks for them.
- Your guest has to work a lot under poor conditions in exchange for low or inadequate pay.
- You notice bruises or other marks that could indicate physical violence.
- Your guest reacts fearfully to certain individuals who visit or call them and is secretive about their work.
Contact the police at 0900 – 8844 when you indicate signs or risks. In urgent situations, always call 112.
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