In the Netherlands, Ukrainian refugees will soon face significant increases in housing and food costs.
Dutch Minister for Refugees and Migration Mona Keizer has announced plans to significantly increase the cost of living for Ukrainian refugees who have jobs or other income. The move is aimed at reducing the disparity between employed asylum seekers and unemployed refugees.
This was reported by the Dutch publication NOS.
Justification for new tariffs
According to the new rules, starting from October 1, a single Ukrainian who works or has other income will pay 244.22 euros per month for living in a municipal shelter. By this time, since July last year, this amount was 105 euros.
“The increase in the own contribution will be used to cover the operating costs of the shelter, such as gas, water, electricity,” the minister explained the purpose of the increase in the fee for accommodation.
Thus, part of the costs of maintaining refugee centres is transferred to those who already have an income.
Additional expenses
In addition, adult Ukrainians who live in shelters with centralized meals will also pay an additional fee for the food prepared for them. Such catering will now cost 252.18 euros per month.
At the same time, the Dutch government emphasizes that it is extremely important to maintain conditions where people benefit from working and not from living off the state. Therefore, the Regulation on the Reception of Refugees from Ukraine states that those who work should always have more money than those who receive only financial assistance from the state.
In addition, the government is trying to anticipate possible difficult situations. Therefore, communities will have the right to make individual decisions regarding individuals or families who face financial difficulties.
Recall that Ukrainians in Britain may be forced to return home. The British government has not yet offered a path to permanent residence in the country, and their visas are expiring.
