The Issue:
A Call for Temporary Protection
We are writing to bring urgent attention to the situation of foreign students who fled the war in Ukraine and are currently residing in the Netherlands. Around 15 months ago, we sought refuge here, escaping the violence and uncertainty in Ukraine.
We are truly grateful for the safety and support the Netherlands has provided. However, we have recently received notification from the government that we must either return to our countries of origin—now deemed “safe”—or apply for asylum. These options come with significant challenges and create deep uncertainty and distress within our community.
We respectfully request that the Dutch government grant us temporary protection until the war in Ukraine ends and it is genuinely safe for us to return.
As students, we left behind our education and dreams. Temporary protection would allow us to continue our studies and build meaningful futures. Over the past year, we have worked hard to integrate—learning Dutch, embracing the culture, and contributing to our communities.
The Netherlands has a proud tradition of protecting human rights. Extending temporary protection to us would reflect this ongoing commitment to compassion, fairness, and humanity.
We sincerely hope you will consider our appeal with empathy and urgency.