Frequently asked questions about refugees from Ukraine

List of frequently asked questions about refugees from Ukraine

RefugeeHelp is the online starting point for Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands and everyone who wants to help.

I would like to offer Ukrainian refugees shelter in my own home. How do I do that?

Go to: Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland or Take care BnB.

I am already hosting refugees from Ukraine. What should I do?

Anyone staying in the Netherlands must register in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of the local council. They can do so at the Breda council.

What will happen to refugees' pets?

Where possible we will try to keep people and their pets together. Pets arriving with their owners at reception centres that are unable to accommodate pets will be taken to an animal shelter, where their owners will be able to visit them. Where possible, we will try to relocate people who have pets to a reception centre which also accepts their pets. National guidelines are being developed for this purpose.

De Koepel Reception Centre

Why has De Koepel been selected?

To be able to accommodate refugees from Ukraine we are looking for locations that are available immediately and can be easily converted into liveable areas. De Koepel was available and it provides the required facilities, such as toilets and showers.

How long will the refugees stay at De Koepel?

De Koepel is a location where people can stay for an extended amount of time, say 3 to 6 months.

How many people can it accommodate?

De Koepel offers shelter to 370 people at most. Occupants will be mainly women and children.

Where can I report any problems experienced from the reception of refugees?

We hope, of course, that the whole process will run smoothly. Should there be any problems, please call 14 076. We will also provide extra surveillance.

Other

In which languages do we communicate with the refugees?

In principle, in English and Ukrainian. If these languages are not understood, we will make sure that basic information (for example, an intake form) is also available in the Russian language. Some people from Ukraine still speak Russian and this may be their only language, because in the past Ukraine was part of Russia, when it was still known as the Soviet Union.

Can religious refugees in Breda also attend church services?

Yes they can. In the centre of Breda, at the Antoniuskathedraal (St. Janstraat 8), a church service is held at 12.00 noon every day. The services are given in Dutch, but it often doesn't matter to those attending in which language the service is given. They are familiar with the ritual and know what is going on. They also look for a peaceful place to be alone and to light a candle. The priests who are present at the cathedral are also available if someone would like to speak to them.

What should you do if you spot signs of human trafficking and exploitation?

Unfortunately there is evidence that Ukrainian refugees, vulnerable people and particularly women and children are becoming victims of human trafficking. Organisations in the Netherlands, such as the Coördinatiecentrum tegen Mensenhandel (Coordination Centre against Human Trafficking), the Red Cross and VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (Dutch Council for Refugees), have produced a flyer entitled ‘Alert op signalen over mensenhandel en uitbuiting’ (Being aware of the signs of human trafficking and exploitation) for Ukrainians. The flyer explains why it is important to be aware of these signs.

More information