With the influx of refugees, most countries have expanded their assistance to our compatriots. However, most countries are now canceling additional support. Find out more about what is changing for Ukrainians abroad

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From the first days of the full-scale war, many countries introduced programs to help Ukrainian refugees. However, a year has passed, and some countries have changed their approach to supporting IDPs. Here's a look at which countries are reducing their aid and what will change in 2023 for IDPs.

Poland has canceled free housing

Previously, vulnerable categories of refugees could live free of charge in collective accommodation centers. According to the latest data, about 80 thousand people were accommodated in such places.

This year, the approach is being changed - starting from March 1, all refugees will have to pay for their accommodation: 

• People who live in communal dormitories, camps or boarding houses for more than 120 days will have to pay 50% of the cost, but no more than 40 zlotys per day.

• Starting from May 2023, another rule will come into force: after 180 days of staying in a collective accommodation, you will have to pay 75% of the cost, but not more than PLN 60 per day. 

It should be added that Poland has identified categories that can continue to live in the country for free. These include mothers with young children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Some German states do not accept refugees

Germany attracts refugees from Ukraine with significant social support, as the state pays financial assistance and provides housing. Currently, there are more than 1 million refugees in Germany, so some states no longer accept Ukrainians because they have no place to accommodate them. 

Currently, only 7 out of 16 federal states accept Ukrainians:

• Bavaria;

• Thuringia

• Saxony

• Baden-Württemberg;

• Lower Saxony;

• Hesse;

• North Rhine-Westphalia.

Czech Republic reduces the amount of payments and stops issuing temporary protection

The last day for Ukrainians to register for temporary protection or its extension is March 31, 2023. After that, unregistered refugees will lose their status and payments from the employment center.

We would like to add that on April 1, the rules of Lex Ukrajina will come into force, according to which:

• The state will stop paying social assistance and providing free housing;

• only Czechs will be able to receive compensation if they host refugees;

• The Czech Republic may decide to provide housing (except for apartments) for 150 days. In case of refusal, the refugee will lose the opportunity to reside in the country without rent;

• after 150 days of residence in the country, Ukrainians will have their allowance reduced to 4,800 CZK for adults and 3,490 CZK for children;

• when calculating payments, the refugee's income will be taken into account - for this purpose, bank accounts will be checked.

Switzerland requires re-verification of assets

Refugees who have been receiving social benefits for a year must confirm that they need the money. In particular, the authorities ask to review the availability of savings, jewelry, and cars. 

If the value of a vehicle exceeds the established norm, it must be sold. If the citizen does not sell the car, its value will be taken into account when calculating payments. Read more about whether Ukrainians will be obliged to sell their cars.

It should be added that the canton of Lucerne has set the maximum value of assets per family - 10,000 francs.

If this amount is exceeded, part of the assets must be disposed of.

There is already a lack of housing for displaced persons in Switzerland. Bern and Geneva do not accept refugees, so Ukrainians will be left in federal asylum centers, where two-thirds of the places are already occupied.

Requirement to learn the state language of Latvia

Although Ukrainian refugees will be supported until June 30, 2023, the authorities have established a new requirement - knowledge of the state language. This decision will apply only to those officially employed and will come into force on January 1, 2024. 

Tolls in Slovakia

Since the beginning of the year, public transportation in Bratislava has become paid. You can move around the city for free only on the day you receive temporary protection documents and for the next 4 days.

Income verification in the Netherlands

In 2023, the Netherlands established a dependence between the level of income and the amount of payment. They also changed the approach to food benefits - the amount of assistance will depend on the number of family members. 

It should be added that since February 1, the Netherlands has reduced compensation for families hosting refugees. Now it is 93 euros, while previously the Dutch received 215 euros.

We remind you! Earlier, Poland canceled the simplified procedure for importing pets for Ukrainians. Read how to cross the border with your pet in 2023 here.

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