Cabinet to double monthly fees paid by Ukrainian refugees for shelter

Caretaker Minister of Asylum and Migration Mona Keijzer has decided to more than double the personal contribution for Ukrainian refugees who are deemed to earn enough to pay for it. A Ukrainian without a family currently pays 105 euros a month, but this will rise to 244 euros in October. Families with at least two underage children will pay a maximum of 488 euros, depending on their situation.

“The increase in the personal contribution will be used to help cover the operational costs of the shelters, such as gas, water, and electricity,” Keijzer explained. With this measure, she aims to reduce the disparity between asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees.

Working refugees from the war-torn country who are staying in a location with supplied catering will pay an extra 252 euros. This is a fixed fee. The total maximum costs for a family with two children will amount to 933 euros a month.

The previous migration minister, Marjolein Faber, had already announced plans to increase the Ukrainian contribution for their shelter, but she had not shared to what extent the fees would rise prior to her departure from the Cabinet.

Ukrainian refugees have been forced to pay for shelter, if they have an income, since January 1. A survey conducted by Hogeschool Inholland among 187 Ukrainian refugees in January highlighted the financial challenges faced by many, even with the previous contribution figures. While the study is not representative of the entire population, it suggests widespread poverty even among those with jobs.