67. The Holland Midden Security region is preparing 2000 places.
Leiderdorp supports Ukrainians
Many citizens of Leiderdorp want to help Ukrainians who fled their country. The municipality of Leiderdorp will also take in refugees. At this moment we are looking for suitable places.
For more information check: www.refugeehelp.com. Information is available in Dutch, English, Ukrainian and Russian.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Where will refugees be placed?
At this moment we are looking for suitable places.
How long can Ukrainians stay in Leiderdorp?
This is initially for half a year.
Do refugees have to register themselves?
Yes, refugees from Ukraine have to register themselves in the municipality where they are staying. This is possible in the City Office of Leiderdorp. Refugees can do this by appointment only. For an appointment call 071-5458500 or mail to meldpunt.oekraine@leiderdorp.nl. After registration the information will be added to the Personal Records Database (Dutch: BRP). A registered refugee gets a Citizen Service Number (BSN). This number is needed to arrange all of your government affairs.
Can refugees take their pets with them?
Not if a member of the family stays behind in Ukraine. If refugees are already traveling to the Netherlands with a pet, please note that there are strict import regulations concerning pets. You may have to take your pet to a veterinarian when arriving in the Netherlands.
Information for Ukrainians who are staying already in the Netherlands
Work and income
Are Ukrainians allowed to work?
Yes. As soon as you are registered you may work.
Do Ukrainians get a living allowance?
In principle yes, however not if you are working. With this form you can apply for the living allowance in Dutch and Ukrainian. Have you filled in the form? Then make an appointment by sending an e-mail to werkeninkomen@leiden.nl. Write your name and family composition in the e-mail. You will then receive an email with the day and time that you can come to the Leiden city office. The email will also state which documents you need to bring with you (such as the completed application form).
What is the living allowance for?
It is for food, clothing and other personal expenses. If you are staying at a private reception address, for example with a host family, you will receive an extra amount. You could perhaps use this to contribute to the household expenses. You should make arrangements with your host family about this yourself. And you can also use it to pay for the cost of public transport or activities.
Who can receive a living allowance?
You can receive a living allowance if you are staying at a reception address in Leiderdorp, and if you meet all of the following conditions:
- You are staying in Leiderdorp, in a municipal or private reception facility
- You have no income
- You come from Ukraine
Additional condition if you are staying in a private reception facility:
- You are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of the municipality of Leiderdorp.
Amount of living allowance
This currently amounts to € 60 per person per week if you are in the municipal reception centre.
Do you have accommodaton at a private address, for example with a host family? And do you have a Dutch bank account? In that case, the amounts are as follows:
- € 475 per adult per month
- € 315 per under-age child per month
If you do not yet have a Dutch bank account, the amounts are as follows. The allowance will be paid to you in cash.
- € 110 per adult per week
- € 70 per under-age child per week
Changes in your situation
Changes in your situation may have consequences for your living allowance. This could be a house move, a change in the family composition or your child reaches the age of 18. You should inform us of any changes straight away via meldpunt.oekraine@leiderdorp.nl.
What will happen when the national scheme comes into effect?
We will review your situation at that time. For example, whether you are still entitled to a living allowance, and the amount of this allowance. We will contact you then, to explain what will happen.
What's the amount of living allowance?
This currently amounts to € 60 per person per week if you are in the municipal reception centre.
Do you have accommodaton at a private address, for example with a host family? And do you have a Dutch bank account? In that case, the amounts are as follows:
- € 475 per adult per month
- € 315 per under-age child per month
If you do not yet have a Dutch bank account, the amounts are as follows. The allowance will be paid to you in cash.
- € 110 per adult per week
- € 70 per under-age child per week
Can Ukrainians open a bank account?
You can open a bank account at three different banks:
Education
Do children have to go to school?
Yes. In the Netherlands it is mandatory to go to school for children under the age of 18. Children in the age group 4 to 12 go to a primary school, in the age group 12-18 to a secondary school. In order to identify educational needs, the municipalities have a registration form. We ask you to fill in the registration form separately for your child(ren). You can find the form here: https://www.e-inwoner.nl/prod/fr/Leiden/u_registration_for_education_ukrainian_students/new.
Age younger than 4
Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to register your child for standard childcare. We are in discussion with childcare organisations about this matter.
Incluzio organises a children’s circle every week. Here, parents and grandparents can meet to talk about children and parenting over a cup of coffee or tea, or a cold drink. At these get-togethers, your children can play with other children. The children’s circle is held every Tuesday morning from 9.00 to 11.00 at the Sterrentuin centre.
Age 4 and 5
Children aged between 4 and 5 can attend our local primary schools in grades 1 and 2. If you have a child in this age group, please let Incluzio know. They will look for a school where a place is available and help you with the necessary procedures.
Age 6 - 12 and 12+
Children aged between 6 and 12 can attend International Language Classes in Leiden. Children aged between 12 and 18 years of age will enter an International Transition Class (ISK) in Leiden. The authorities in Leiden are in charge of placing children in these classes. Classes are scheduled to start from 9 May (after the May school holiday).
Medical care
Medical care
The general practitioner takes care of regular medical care In the Netherlands. If necessary he/she can refer you to a specialist. For refugees from Ukraine, healthcare is fully reimbursed through a subsidy scheme for the uninsured. Refugees therefore do not have to contribute anything.
Other questions
Can I go to the food bank?
Yes. The food bank is located on the Willem Barentszstraat 37 in Leiden. In order to use it, you need to show your registration or passport. Ukrainians can collect food packets every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For other information check the website of the food bank.
Safety
Stay alert! Many people are offering help, but unfortunately you cannot trust everybody. How can you protect yourself? Check this infographic.
Offer help
I have family or acquaintances in Ukraine who are coming to Leiderdorp. Where should I report this?
The municipality works by appointment. You can call to 071 54 58 500 during our opening hours to make an appointment. You can also mail to: meldpunt.oekraine@leiderdorp.nl.
I would like to help with accomodating Ukrainian refugees
We are very grateful that you are willing and able to help with accommodating refugees. If you can offer accommodation for several families and individuals, please let us know by sending an email to meldpunt.oekraine@leiderdorp.nl.
It is preferable if the refugees have more or less self-contained accommodation, and at least have their own bathroom facilities. Of course, all help and support is welcome, but there is also a lot involved in hosting refugees. The Takecarebnb organisation has extensive experience in accommodating refugees with host families. Their website presents ten points for host families to consider.
I want to donate money.
Often, initiatives and organizations that work for refugees depend on gifts and donations from individuals and companies. You can support them by making a donation. A complete list of organizations you can find here: https://www.refugeehelp.nl/offer-help/category/donations.