This is how living in the temporary reception centre arranged for you by the municipality works

Ukrainians can get a place to live and get help in European Union countries. This is because they receive protection through the

New people from Ukraine are still coming to the Netherlands. This has consequences for reception centres: waiting lists, little privacy and sharing your room with strangers. Also, you often cannot cook for yourself and you do not get permission for pets. It is important to take this into account when coming to the Netherlands.

Municipalities are obliged to provide places in reception centres for people covered by the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD). This is laid down in European and Dutch legislation. Even if there are not enough places in reception centres, a municipality may not refuse to provide reception. If a standard reception location is full, the municipality must arrange an alternative temporary solution, such as a hotel or other emergency reception centre.

When you arrive in the Netherlands, you must report to a municipality for a place in a reception centre. This reception centre is called a

.

Ask at the municipality where to report. Sometimes this is listed on the municipality's website. Often this will be at the

The municipality looks at whether you are covered by the TPD. If you are covered by the TPD, the municipality must arrange a place in a recpetion centre for you. Even in case of doubt, the municipality must accommodate you.

Is it unclear whether you are covered by the TPD? Then the municipality will contact the

Municipalities are allowed to decide how they arrange the reception centres for Ukrainians. It is important that you explain and ask about how the reception centres look like in your municipality. Ask questions, such as:

• How does the reception centre work here?

• How do I stay in touch with the municipality?

• Who is my contact person?

• What is the phone number and email address?

• When will there be room for me in the GOO?

• What happens if there is no place for me in the GOO?

Many reception centres are full. It can take days or weeks before you are allocated a place. The municiaplity is obliged to arrange a place in a reception centre for you. What can you do?

Ask the municipality for temporary reception
Is there no place available in the usual reception centre (GOO)? The municipality must find another temporary solution. This could be a hotel, emergency reception centre or another place to stay temporarily until a place becomes available.

Can you stay somewhere else for a while?
Sometimes the municipality is unable to find a temporary solution straight away. You may therefore be able to stay with family, friends or in a hotel for the time being whilst the municipality continues to look for a place in a reception centre.

Do you not have anywhere to sleep or money for temporary accommodation? Then contact your municipality or the Red Cross

Important
Are you staying temporarily in a hotel, an emergency reception centre or with friends or family? If so, you are often not yet registered in the

Does the municipality where you are registering not have a place available in the municipal reception centre (GOO)? Then the municipality can contact the Regional Coordination Centre for Refugee Distribution (RCVS) or the National Coordination Centre for Refugee Distribution (LCVS). They will then check whether there is a place in a reception centre available elsewhere. You do not need to arrange this yourself.

Unfortunately, there are not enough places in reception centres. As a result, many people end up on a waiting list. It is often unclear how long you will have to wait or when a place will become available. Sometimes people receive a general email telling them that they must find a reception centre in another municipality themselves.

Are you unable to get a place in a reception centre, or are you unsure of your situation? If so, book an appointment for the free online consultation service with VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN).

Large numbers of Ukrainians are still coming to the Netherlands. Therefore, the reception locations have to be careful with their space. As a result, there is little privacy at many reception locations.

Reception locations are not ideal; sometimes they are housed in old office and industrial buildings or on cruise ships. You are often not allowed to cook for yourself. You have to share the toilet and bathroom with the other residents. People often have to share a room with others. Also with people from different families.

Pets are often not welcome at reception locations. There is limited space. You may have to take your pet to an animal shelter. Keep that in mind when you come from Ukraine to the Netherlands. It may be better to leave your dog or cat with family or friends when you come to the Netherlands.

Municipalities often send emails with information about reception centres. So make sure you check your email regularly (a few times a day). Answer as quickly as possible if someone asks something. Preferably in English or Dutch.

Rejecting a place in a reception centre in the GOO can have consequences. There are very few places available in the Netherlands. If a place is really not suitable for a certain reason, always discuss this with the location manager. They may be able to help find a solution.