The Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February has led to millions of Ukrainians fleeing to EU member states.

On 4 March 2022, the Council activated the Temporary Protection Directive providing temporary protection in the EU for displaced Ukrainian refugees.

This means Ukrainian nationals can stay in the EU member states without having to apply for asylum and are entitled to services such as housing and education and may work in the EU. The Temporary Protection Directive has been extended until 4 March 2027.

In line with a judgment by the European Court of Justice in December 2024, the Council of State ruled on 23 April 2025 that the temporary protection of refugees who had held a temporary residence permit in Ukraine, for instance for work or study, should be ended earlier than the temporary protection of Ukrainians, stateless persons and third-country nationals with a permanent residence permit. This group will therefore no longer be entitled to a Dutch residence permit under the Temporary Protection Regulation as of 4 March 2024.

According to EUROSTAT, on 31 January 2026 about 4.38 million refugees had temporary protection. By 18 January 2026 134.980 Ukrainian refugees had registered in the Netherlands.

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