Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands are to be given €60 per person per week to help pay for their daily needs if they live in communal accommodation, and up to €135 if they are living with host families, the government has decided.

‘That money is being given directly to the Ukrainians,’ welfare minister Carola Schouten said on Friday, after the weekly cabinet meeting. ‘If they are staying with a host family, then the money will help pay for the costs.’

Nevertheless, the minister warned, it will take a little time for local councils to organise the payments. The system will run for at least two months and will be reassessed after that time, she said.

Ministers have also agreed that Ukrainian nationals who want to work can do so immediately, and that a work permit, requested by employers, will no longer be needed after April 1.

‘I have personally spoken to people who do wish to work and who have the skills, but we must give these people the time to settle and adjust first,’ said economic affairs minister Karien van Gennip said.

‘Then I would say to us Dutch, these people have been through a lot,’ she said. ‘And if they do work, involve them in your social lives. Invite them round and talk to them.’

Registration

So far 7,200 Ukrainian refugees have registered as being in the Netherlands, although the total is likely to be higher.

Dutch refugee organisation Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland and the Red Cross have launched an English-language website gathering together information for Ukrainian nationals who have fled the war and come to the Netherlands.

Refugeehelp.nl is aimed at both Ukrainians and people who want to help the relief effort and includes information about housing, schools and work as well as what to do with pets.