Question and answer refugee reception Ukraine

The municipality of Heerenveen, on behalf of the Security Region and the Frisian municipalities, is a first portal for the reception of Ukrainian refugees. The Hoekstra hall on it Hege Stik in Heerenveen has been set up for this purpose. Refugees can catch their breath here, register and from there go to locations elsewhere in the province for longer accommodation.

Refugees staying with private individuals do not have to register at the HUB in Heerenveen. However, they must register at the town hall at the residence address.

An estimated 10 million people have fled Ukraine, and at least 12,000 refugees have arrived in the Netherlands so far. These are not only Ukrainians, but also Afghans, Moroccans and people from African countries who were studying or working in Ukraine when the war began.

To be eligible for reception in the Netherlands, refugees must have the proper documents. These may include a Ukrainian passport or a passport from another country in combination with a temporary visa. The municipality's Civil Affairs Department has specialists who examine these documents for validity and authenticity.

Should a refugee not have the proper documents, the municipality will ensure that the refugee leaves the Ukrainian refugee reception site. If necessary, the refugee is referred to the asylum procedure route. 

Ukrainian refugees can register in the municipality where they are staying (temporarily). This is done in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP). This applies to persons who can prove with proof of identification that they have Ukrainian nationality.

The latest information on registering can be found at the National ID Office.

Ukrainians who are now staying with individuals in Tytsjerksteradiel and need another place to stay can go to a municipal shelter. They can report to us at 14 0511. They do not need to register at the hub in Heerenveen first. 

Do you need an additional container? Then you can request one with our form.

For an additional container, you have to pay. Discuss its payment with your guests. After all, the living allowance they receive includes money meant to help pay for household expenses.

Requesting additional container

Yes. Adults and children receive €260 per month per person. They can buy food, clothing and other personal items from this, for example.

Refugees living with host families receive an extra allowance per month in addition to the living allowance. Adults receive an additional €215 per month and children €55 per month. Refugees can use this money for public transportation, family visits or sports, for example. They can also use the money to contribute to the host family's expenses, but this is not mandatory.

When a refugee starts gainful employment, the living allowance stops. The refugee reports this to the municipality. The living allowance then stops from the^1st day of the following month.

Do you have welfare benefits and are hosting refugees? Then you will not have your benefit reduced. This rule applies for at least the first 6 months.

Do you receive benefits and are you hosting Ukrainians? If so, this does not affect the amount of your benefits. Read more about this on Toeslagen.nl.

No, host households do not receive compensation from the government.

Yes, as of April 1, refugees are allowed to work as employees. This applies to refugees lawfully residing in the Netherlands under the Temporary Protection Directive. The employer does not need a work permit. However, the employer must file a notification with UWV. 

For more information, visit Rijksoverheid.nl.

The municipality is exploring whether we can coordinate the supply of work, centrally. More information on this will follow on our website.

Uninsured people can receive medically necessary care. They do not have to pay for this care themselves. Visit Zorgverzekeringslijn.nl for comprehensive and up-to-date information on this (multilingual).

Do you have a valid Ukrainian driver's license? Then you can drive with it for up to 185 days after arrival. After that, you may only drive in the Netherlands with a Dutch license.

In some cases you can exchange the foreign driving license for a Dutch driving license. Check RDW.nl.

The Tax Office can explain how this works. Call BelastingTelefoon Auto on 0800 - 0749 or go to Belastingdienst.nl.

Since March 1, Ukrainian refugees have been allowed free travel on public transportation upon presentation of their passport or ID. Free travel for Ukrainians expired from June 1, 2022. From now on, they too must be able to present a valid ticket when checked.

Children (regardless of residency status) have a right to education. It is important that education becomes available as soon as possible. This should take into account a stable and long-term reception situation. It is not desirable for children to have to change educational locations each time.

Education in the municipality is active, highly involved and cooperative. In Hurdegaryp a "language class" for elementary school age children has been started. Professionals from the AZC schools organize and support the education. Older children can attend the International Switching Classes (ISK). Meanwhile, education partners are preparing for the expected larger influx. We ensure that students are brought from their reception location to the school and back again. It is also possible for children to continue Ukrainian education online.