You will no longer be granted temporary protection if you already have, or have had, temporary protection in another country

Since 2022, Ukrainians in the Netherlands have been able to receive temporary protection, even if they had previously been granted temporary protection in another EU country. This changed from 15 June 2026.

From that date, an application for temporary protection in the Netherlands will be rejected if the applicant currently has, or has previously had, temporary protection in another EU country.

There is, however, an exception for family members. Are you a family member of someone who has been granted temporary protection in the Netherlands? If so, you may still be eligible for temporary protection, even if you have previously been granted temporary protection in another EU country. The IND assesses each situation on a case-by-case basis. Read more about this in this article on RefugeeHelp.

Did you arrive in the Netherlands before 15 June 2026 and did you register with a municipality for temporary protection before that date? If so, this new rule does not apply to you.

Did you arrive in the Netherlands before 15 June 2026, but has the municipality not yet registered you in the

• Train tickets.

• Hotel or hostel bookings.

• And a confirmation of the appointment from the municipality.

If you arrived in the Netherlands on or after 15 June 2026 and register with a municipality for temporary protection, the municipality will check whether you currently have temporary protection or have had it previously in another EU country.

If the municipality is unsure whether you are entitled to temporary protection, it will seek advice from the

The IND will assess your situation within 48 hours of you coming forward. This assessment will take place via a video call at the town hall.

Does the IND decide that you are not entitled to temporary protection? In that case, you will be informed immediately. You will receive a 'weigeringsbesluit' (rejection decision). The municipality will then not register you in the BRP. You must leave the Netherlands and return to the country where you previously applied for temporary protection.

Keep the rejection decision in a safe place. You will need this document if you wish to apply for asylum later in Ter Apel.

Does the IND approve your application for temporary protection? In that case, you will not receive a letter from the IND. The municipality will then register you in the BRP for the municipality where you have registered. You will then need to go to the IND in Utrecht. There, the IND will check again whether you are entitled to temporary protection. The IND may still reject your application at this stage.

Has the IND rejected your application because you have previously been granted temporary protection in another EU country? If so, you can

You lodge your appeal with the help of a lawyer. The lawyer must also submit an application for

Does the IND reject your appeal? In that case, you can lodge an appeal with the court with the help of a lawyer.

You pay a fee for legal assistance from a lawyer. The amount you pay depends on your income. Do you have any questions about this, or do you need help finding a lawyer? Then book an appointment for the VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN) online consultation hour.

Did you register before 15 June 2026, but has the municipality not yet registered you in the BRP? If so, it is important that you can prove when you arrived in the Netherlands. You should therefore keep:

• Train tickets.

• Hotel or hostel reservations.

And other documents showing when you arrived in the Netherlands.

Many European countries refuse to grant temporary protection to people who are already receiving temporary protection in another EU country. With this new rule, the Netherlands is going one step further. From 15 June 2026, the Netherlands will also refuse to grant temporary protection to people who have previously received temporary protection in another EU country.

It is not yet clear how the IND will implement this rule in all situations. Nor is it yet clear whether this rule complies with European regulations. Ultimately, a court will have to rule on this matter. You will find more information on this on RefugeeHelp at a later date.

Has the IND rejected your application for temporary protection and would you like to know what you can do? If so, book an appointment for VluchtelingenWerk Nederland’s (VWN) online consultation hour for more information and personal advice.