Ukrainian refugees arriving in the Netherlands by plane are automatically detained for several days. Learn about the new procedure from the Immigration and Naturalization Service, its reasons and consequences for refugees

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In the Netherlands, Ukrainian refugees arriving by plane are automatically detained for several days, according to the NRC. Learn about the reasons and consequences of this new procedure from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

Reasons for detention of Ukrainians arriving by air

In recent months, Ukrainian refugees arriving in the Netherlands by plane have been detained for several days after arrival. This is an innovation from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). Those who arrive by train or car are not subject to this procedure. According to the NRC, this is done to verify the rights to stay and be accepted in the Netherlands.

Legal context and policy changes

Following russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainians were granted the right to free movement within Europe, as well as the right to housing, healthcare, and employment. These conditions are enshrined in the Temporary Protection Directive, which was recently extended until March 4, 2026. Previously, Ukrainians arriving in the Netherlands were immediately granted a place in an asylum. Now they are first detained for a few days to check their IND.

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Results and criticism of the new procedure

According to the IND spokesperson, the situation has changed: "At the beginning of the war, most Ukrainians came directly from their country of origin, and now we see more cases of people traveling from one country to another." However, the organization Vluchtelingenwerk, which has an office at Schiphol Airport, said that most detained Ukrainians eventually receive permission to enter the Netherlands, which indicates that this procedure is not appropriate.

Read here to find out which EU countries will be eligible for re-protection in 2024.

Experts' views on the new policy

Galina Cornelisse, Professor of Courts and Transnational Justice at the Free University of Amsterdam, noted that the border procedure can be an appropriate tool for verification, for example, in view of russian disinformation, but only if there are grounds for this in a particular case. Karolus Grütters, researcher at the Center for Migration Law at Radboud University in Nijmegen, added that there are no grounds for automatic detention of every Ukrainian: "If you can prove that you are Ukrainian, you automatically have access to the Netherlands."

The detention of Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands who arrive by plane raises many questions and criticism from human rights organizations and experts. The procedure, which was intended to ensure national security, turned out to be a difficult and stressful experience for many Ukrainians. It is important that the policy meets real needs and is effective.

We remind you! After the outbreak of full-scale war in Ukraine, the Netherlands hosted thousands of Ukrainian families seeking refuge. Today, this country is also accepting refugees, but the rules of admission and residence have changed over the past two years. Read the latest information on moving to the Netherlands in 2024 in our previous article.

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Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

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