Legal program

Our legal team defends, informs and empowers Ukrainian displaced people in the Netherlands in their native language, on a daily basis.

Make a difference. Positively contribute to the lives of those affected by migration.

Make a difference. Positively contribute to the lives of those affected by migration.

Our impact

We enhance the well-being of displaced individuals through legal support

Building a life and career in a new country, with a different legal system, comes with its challenges. From the moment a displaced person enters the Netherlands, legal bottlenecks can  be an everyday struggle; they can prevent someone from getting a house, a job, or going to school.

3080+

Processed legal requests.

192

Processed reporting cases.

667

Processed cases via

helpline and Instagram.

10000+

People covered by our
information labour campaign.

About Legal program

Supporting Displaced Ukrainians, informing research, guiding policy

The Legal program is integral to OPORA’s mission, providing essential support to displaced Ukrainians while gathering insights that inform research and shape policy solutions.

By collecting legal data and perspectives, we help identify key challenges and contribute to OPORA’s research efforts. Our Ukrainian legal experts collaborate with leading Dutch law firms, adding valuable expertise to the broader legal landscape.

Through free, accessible legal support in the community’s native language, we promote inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Our work empowers displaced Ukrainians to navigate Dutch laws, safeguard their rights, and prevent labor exploitation — helping them build a secure and stable future.creating impactful, culturally informed solutions for those in need.

About Legal program

Supporting Displaced Ukrainians, informing research, guiding policy

The Legal program is integral to OPORA’s mission, providing essential support to displaced Ukrainians while gathering insights that inform research and shape policy solutions.

By collecting legal data and perspectives, we help identify key challenges and contribute to OPORA’s research efforts. Our Ukrainian legal experts collaborate with leading Dutch law firms, adding valuable expertise to the broader legal landscape.

Through free, accessible legal support in the community’s native language, we promote inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Our work empowers displaced Ukrainians to navigate Dutch laws, safeguard their rights, and prevent labor exploitation — helping them build a secure and stable future.creating impactful, culturally informed solutions for those in need.

About Legal program

Supporting Displaced Ukrainians, informing research, guiding policy

The Legal program is integral to OPORA’s mission, providing essential support to displaced Ukrainians while gathering insights that inform research and shape policy solutions.

By collecting legal data and perspectives, we help identify key challenges and contribute to OPORA’s research efforts. Our Ukrainian legal experts collaborate with leading Dutch law firms, adding valuable expertise to the broader legal landscape.

Through free, accessible legal support in the community’s native language, we promote inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Our work empowers displaced Ukrainians to navigate Dutch laws, safeguard their rights, and prevent labor exploitation — helping them build a secure and stable future.creating impactful, culturally informed solutions for those in need.

Free legal assistance

Lectures & workshops

Informing policy & advocacy

We provide legal support to displaced Ukrainians on issues like housing, employment, education, and criminal justice — available via our helpline or online form.

Free legal assistance

Lectures & workshops

Informing policy & advocacy

We provide legal support to displaced Ukrainians on issues like housing, employment, education, and criminal justice — available via our helpline or online form.

Free legal assistance

Lectures & workshops

Informing policy & advocacy

We provide legal support to displaced Ukrainians on issues like housing, employment, education, and criminal justice — available via our helpline or online form.

Reach out to our legal team

We provide expert legal assistance to displaced Ukrainians and support Dutch organizations in addressing their specific challenges. Submit our request form, and we’ll respond within 5 business days.

Reach out to our legal team

We provide expert legal assistance to displaced Ukrainians and support Dutch organizations in addressing their specific challenges. Submit our request form, and we’ll respond within 5 business days.

Are you from Ukraine and
looking for free legal help?

Are you from Ukraine and
looking for free legal help?

Call

We’re just a call away! For inquiries about Empatia or mental health support for Ukrainians, contact us at:

Message us

Connect with our legal team on social media on Telegram or Whatsapp.

Follow us

Follow us for essential legal tips and important updates for displaced Ukrainians.

We will review your request and ensure a response within no more than 5 business days.

Are you from Ukraine and
looking for free legal help?

Call

We’re just a call away! For inquiries about Empatia or mental health support for Ukrainians, contact us at:

Message us

Connect with our legal team on social media on Telegram or Whatsapp.

Follow us

Follow us for essential legal tips and important updates for displaced Ukrainians.

We will review your request and ensure a response within no more than 5 business days.

Handouts: legal support handouts for displaced Ukrainians

This collection of handouts, primarily in Ukrainian with some available in English and Dutch, offers essential legal guidance for displaced Ukrainians. These free resources can be downloaded, printed, and shared with individuals in need. Created to assist Dutch organizations, municipalities, and location managers working with Ukrainians, the handouts cover various topics, including employment rights, housing issues, benefits, and legal aid contacts.

Handouts: legal support handouts for displaced Ukrainians

This collection of handouts, primarily in Ukrainian with some available in English and Dutch, offers essential legal guidance for displaced Ukrainians. These free resources can be downloaded, printed, and shared with individuals in need. Created to assist Dutch organizations, municipalities, and location managers working with Ukrainians, the handouts cover various topics, including employment rights, housing issues, benefits, and legal aid contacts.

Handouts: legal support handouts for displaced Ukrainians

This collection of handouts, primarily in Ukrainian with some available in English and Dutch, offers essential legal guidance for displaced Ukrainians. These free resources can be downloaded, printed, and shared with individuals in need. Created to assist Dutch organizations, municipalities, and location managers working with Ukrainians, the handouts cover various topics, including employment rights, housing issues, benefits, and legal aid contacts.

UA
Letter from the Dutch National Ombudsman (in Ukrainian)

A translated letter with recommendations for Dutch municipalities on how to make complaint procedures in shelters more accessible and understandable for displaced Ukrainians.

NL
Letter from the Dutch National Ombudsman (in Dutch)

A letter with recommendations for Dutch municipalities on how to make complaint procedures in shelters more accessible and understandable for displaced Ukrainians.

UA
Employment Guide for Ukrainians in the Netherlands (in Ukrainian)

A practical, step-by-step fact sheet designed to help Ukrainian professionals navigate the Dutch job market.

UA
Letter from the Dutch National Ombudsman (in Ukrainian)

A translated letter with recommendations for Dutch municipalities on how to make complaint procedures in shelters more accessible and understandable for displaced Ukrainians.

NL
Letter from the Dutch National Ombudsman (in Dutch)

A letter with recommendations for Dutch municipalities on how to make complaint procedures in shelters more accessible and understandable for displaced Ukrainians.

UA
Employment Guide for Ukrainians in the Netherlands (in Ukrainian)

A practical, step-by-step fact sheet designed to help Ukrainian professionals navigate the Dutch job market.

UA
Letter from the Dutch National Ombudsman (in Ukrainian)

A translated letter with recommendations for Dutch municipalities on how to make complaint procedures in shelters more accessible and understandable for displaced Ukrainians.

NL
Letter from the Dutch National Ombudsman (in Dutch)

A letter with recommendations for Dutch municipalities on how to make complaint procedures in shelters more accessible and understandable for displaced Ukrainians.

UA
Employment Guide for Ukrainians in the Netherlands (in Ukrainian)

A practical, step-by-step fact sheet designed to help Ukrainian professionals navigate the Dutch job market.

UA
Steps for Securing Municipal Housing Rights

A handout in Ukrainian outlining the steps displaced Ukrainian individuals can take if their right to live in municipal housing is denied without alternative accommodation.

UA
Letter from the Dutch National Ombudsman (in Ukrainian)

A translated letter with recommendations for Dutch municipalities on how to make complaint procedures in shelters more accessible and understandable for displaced Ukrainians.

NL
Letter from the Dutch National Ombudsman (in Dutch)

A letter with recommendations for Dutch municipalities on how to make complaint procedures in shelters more accessible and understandable for displaced Ukrainians.

UA
Employment Guide for Ukrainians in the Netherlands (in Ukrainian)

A practical, step-by-step fact sheet designed to help Ukrainian professionals navigate the Dutch job market.

Latest News
Latest News
Latest News
Latest News
Portrait of a woman framed by OPORA Foundation’s blue circular graphic on a dark blue background.

People of OPORA

Legal

“Everything—your job, your home, even your life—can be taken from you. But no one can take away your knowledge, your experience, or your dedication to helping others”

Her story is a moving testament to how professional dedication and personal compassion can walk hand in hand.

May 8, 2025

Portrait of a woman framed by OPORA Foundation’s blue circular graphic on a dark blue background.

People of OPORA

Legal

“Everything—your job, your home, even your life—can be taken from you. But no one can take away your knowledge, your experience, or your dedication to helping others”

Her story is a moving testament to how professional dedication and personal compassion can walk hand in hand.

May 8, 2025

Presenter speaking to an audience during a session on Dutch labor law, with a presentation slide projected in the background.

Legal

Mastering the Dutch labor law to assist fellow displaced people

Through our partnership with Pro Bono Connect, our Ukrainian Legal Advice team is receiving essential support and training from leading Dutch law firms, including Bird & Bird, Dentons, EY Belastingadviseurs, and HVG Law.

Oct 1, 2024

Presenter speaking to an audience during a session on Dutch labor law, with a presentation slide projected in the background.

Legal

Mastering the Dutch labor law to assist fellow displaced people

Through our partnership with Pro Bono Connect, our Ukrainian Legal Advice team is receiving essential support and training from leading Dutch law firms, including Bird & Bird, Dentons, EY Belastingadviseurs, and HVG Law.

Oct 1, 2024

Logos of OPORA Foundation and Pro Bono Connect on a light background with abstract arch shapes in blue.

Legal

OPORA Foundation & Pro Bono Connect

Thanks to this invaluable support, our lawyers gain deep insights into Dutch jurisprudence and its complexities, enhancing their ability to assist a greater number of individuals.

Jul 24, 2024

Logos of OPORA Foundation and Pro Bono Connect on a light background with abstract arch shapes in blue.

Legal

OPORA Foundation & Pro Bono Connect

Thanks to this invaluable support, our lawyers gain deep insights into Dutch jurisprudence and its complexities, enhancing their ability to assist a greater number of individuals.

Jul 24, 2024

FAQ
FAQ

We are available to answer any questions you may have.

Please feel free to contact us for assistance.

Are there any costs associated with the legal program?

Our legal team provides free legal advice to displaced people from Ukraine.

In which areas of law does the team specialize?

We offer legal advice across various fields, following both Dutch and Ukrainian legislation. Our areas of expertise include: employment law, labor law, migration law, tax law, family law, corporate law, administrative law, civil law, housing law (municipal residence), criminal law (including violent crime), intellectual property law, and more.

The Empatia support line provides information and support. We do not offer psychotherapy, as we are not a mental health institution (GGZ).

If you need long-term psychological assistance, therapy options in the Netherlands are covered by insurance for temporarily displaced persons from Ukraine (RMO). Therefore, we recommend contacting a specialist in your region or online.

In some cases, we may offer a psychosocial consultation with an Empatia psychologist that is not therapy. This consultation may help formulate a request or address existing inquiries that may not be covered by insurance. For more information, please contact our helpline.

What additional services does the legal advice program provide?
How does OPORA’s legal advice program work with Dutch lawyers?

We partner with Dutch law firms through a project that connects civil society organizations with legal professionals. As part of this collaboration, lawyers from leading Dutch firms offer training to our legal team, assist with request responses, and take part in live-streamed webinars.

We are always pleased to hear if an organization would like to explore working together with a Ukrainian psychologist. At Empatia, we are eager to help you find the best match that suits both your organization’s and your clientele’s needs and challenges while making sure that your new psychologist can become an essential and valued member of your team.

Typically, our assistance would look like the following:

Consultation will be provided to understand your organization, current circumstances, timelines, and motive to hire a Ukrainian psychologist. Our Matching & Placement team will provide consultation and an initial needs assessment.

Employment terms and conditions We will explore together the practicalities of this role, including the required expertise, qualifications and certificates, working hours, location, target group, etc. At the end of this stage, there will be clear guidelines on employee conditions and a formulated offer letter.

Matching and Placement With these clear expectations, Empatia will begin shortlisting candidates from our database of psychologists in the Netherlands. For more detailed information on how we conduct our screenings of psychologists.

Partnership
After a successful match, Empatia gladly maintains and encourages a supportive partnership with your organization and is available to you should any questions or concerns arise. We can redirect them to your organization via our Helpline, which is open to Ukrainian-displaced people looking for psychological, social, or emotional help in their region.

We can assist and collaborate in various ways, such as promoting social media channels, organizing webinars, and creating online materials - ultimately serving our common goal of raising awareness of the services and support available to the Ukrainian community.

Who can contact the legal advice program, and do you offer legal representation?

Our services are available to Ukrainians under Temporary Protection in the Netherlands, representatives of municipal locations and municipalities, and other organizations and state bodies. While we do not offer full legal representation, in critical cases, we may intervene on an individual’s behalf.

We are always pleased to hear if an organization would like to explore working together with a Ukrainian psychologist. At Empatia, we are eager to help you find the best match that suits both your organization’s and your clientele’s needs and challenges while making sure that your new psychologist can become an essential and valued member of your team.

Typically, our assistance would look like the following:

Consultation will be provided to understand your organization, current circumstances, timelines, and motive to hire a Ukrainian psychologist. Our Matching & Placement team will provide consultation and an initial needs assessment.

Employment terms and conditions We will explore together the practicalities of this role, including the required expertise, qualifications and certificates, working hours, location, target group, etc. At the end of this stage, there will be clear guidelines on employee conditions and a formulated offer letter.

Matching and Placement With these clear expectations, Empatia will begin shortlisting candidates from our database of psychologists in the Netherlands. For more detailed information on how we conduct our screenings of psychologists.

Partnership
After a successful match, Empatia gladly maintains and encourages a supportive partnership with your organization and is available to you should any questions or concerns arise. We can redirect them to your organization via our Helpline, which is open to Ukrainian-displaced people looking for psychological, social, or emotional help in their region.

We can assist and collaborate in various ways, such as promoting social media channels, organizing webinars, and creating online materials - ultimately serving our common goal of raising awareness of the services and support available to the Ukrainian community.

Are there any costs associated with the legal program?

Our legal team provides free legal advice to displaced people from Ukraine.

In which areas of law does the team specialize?

We offer legal advice across various fields, following both Dutch and Ukrainian legislation. Our areas of expertise include: employment law, labor law, migration law, tax law, family law, corporate law, administrative law, civil law, housing law (municipal residence), criminal law (including violent crime), intellectual property law, and more.

The Empatia support line provides information and support. We do not offer psychotherapy, as we are not a mental health institution (GGZ).

If you need long-term psychological assistance, therapy options in the Netherlands are covered by insurance for temporarily displaced persons from Ukraine (RMO). Therefore, we recommend contacting a specialist in your region or online.

In some cases, we may offer a psychosocial consultation with an Empatia psychologist that is not therapy. This consultation may help formulate a request or address existing inquiries that may not be covered by insurance. For more information, please contact our helpline.

What additional services does the legal advice program provide?
How does OPORA’s legal advice program work with Dutch lawyers?

We partner with Dutch law firms through a project that connects civil society organizations with legal professionals. As part of this collaboration, lawyers from leading Dutch firms offer training to our legal team, assist with request responses, and take part in live-streamed webinars.

We are always pleased to hear if an organization would like to explore working together with a Ukrainian psychologist. At Empatia, we are eager to help you find the best match that suits both your organization’s and your clientele’s needs and challenges while making sure that your new psychologist can become an essential and valued member of your team.

Typically, our assistance would look like the following:

Consultation will be provided to understand your organization, current circumstances, timelines, and motive to hire a Ukrainian psychologist. Our Matching & Placement team will provide consultation and an initial needs assessment.

Employment terms and conditions We will explore together the practicalities of this role, including the required expertise, qualifications and certificates, working hours, location, target group, etc. At the end of this stage, there will be clear guidelines on employee conditions and a formulated offer letter.

Matching and Placement With these clear expectations, Empatia will begin shortlisting candidates from our database of psychologists in the Netherlands. For more detailed information on how we conduct our screenings of psychologists.

Partnership
After a successful match, Empatia gladly maintains and encourages a supportive partnership with your organization and is available to you should any questions or concerns arise. We can redirect them to your organization via our Helpline, which is open to Ukrainian-displaced people looking for psychological, social, or emotional help in their region.

We can assist and collaborate in various ways, such as promoting social media channels, organizing webinars, and creating online materials - ultimately serving our common goal of raising awareness of the services and support available to the Ukrainian community.

Who can contact the legal advice program, and do you offer legal representation?

Our services are available to Ukrainians under Temporary Protection in the Netherlands, representatives of municipal locations and municipalities, and other organizations and state bodies. While we do not offer full legal representation, in critical cases, we may intervene on an individual’s behalf.

We are always pleased to hear if an organization would like to explore working together with a Ukrainian psychologist. At Empatia, we are eager to help you find the best match that suits both your organization’s and your clientele’s needs and challenges while making sure that your new psychologist can become an essential and valued member of your team.

Typically, our assistance would look like the following:

Consultation will be provided to understand your organization, current circumstances, timelines, and motive to hire a Ukrainian psychologist. Our Matching & Placement team will provide consultation and an initial needs assessment.

Employment terms and conditions We will explore together the practicalities of this role, including the required expertise, qualifications and certificates, working hours, location, target group, etc. At the end of this stage, there will be clear guidelines on employee conditions and a formulated offer letter.

Matching and Placement With these clear expectations, Empatia will begin shortlisting candidates from our database of psychologists in the Netherlands. For more detailed information on how we conduct our screenings of psychologists.

Partnership
After a successful match, Empatia gladly maintains and encourages a supportive partnership with your organization and is available to you should any questions or concerns arise. We can redirect them to your organization via our Helpline, which is open to Ukrainian-displaced people looking for psychological, social, or emotional help in their region.

We can assist and collaborate in various ways, such as promoting social media channels, organizing webinars, and creating online materials - ultimately serving our common goal of raising awareness of the services and support available to the Ukrainian community.

FAQ

We are available to answer any questions you may have.

Please feel free to contact us for assistance.

Are there any costs associated with the legal program?

Our legal team provides free legal advice to displaced people from Ukraine.

In which areas of law does the team specialize?

We offer legal advice across various fields, following both Dutch and Ukrainian legislation. Our areas of expertise include: employment law, labor law, migration law, tax law, family law, corporate law, administrative law, civil law, housing law (municipal residence), criminal law (including violent crime), intellectual property law, and more.

The Empatia support line provides information and support. We do not offer psychotherapy, as we are not a mental health institution (GGZ).

If you need long-term psychological assistance, therapy options in the Netherlands are covered by insurance for temporarily displaced persons from Ukraine (RMO). Therefore, we recommend contacting a specialist in your region or online.

In some cases, we may offer a psychosocial consultation with an Empatia psychologist that is not therapy. This consultation may help formulate a request or address existing inquiries that may not be covered by insurance. For more information, please contact our helpline.

What additional services does the legal advice program provide?
How does OPORA’s legal advice program work with Dutch lawyers?

We partner with Dutch law firms through a project that connects civil society organizations with legal professionals. As part of this collaboration, lawyers from leading Dutch firms offer training to our legal team, assist with request responses, and take part in live-streamed webinars.

We are always pleased to hear if an organization would like to explore working together with a Ukrainian psychologist. At Empatia, we are eager to help you find the best match that suits both your organization’s and your clientele’s needs and challenges while making sure that your new psychologist can become an essential and valued member of your team.

Typically, our assistance would look like the following:

Consultation will be provided to understand your organization, current circumstances, timelines, and motive to hire a Ukrainian psychologist. Our Matching & Placement team will provide consultation and an initial needs assessment.

Employment terms and conditions We will explore together the practicalities of this role, including the required expertise, qualifications and certificates, working hours, location, target group, etc. At the end of this stage, there will be clear guidelines on employee conditions and a formulated offer letter.

Matching and Placement With these clear expectations, Empatia will begin shortlisting candidates from our database of psychologists in the Netherlands. For more detailed information on how we conduct our screenings of psychologists.

Partnership
After a successful match, Empatia gladly maintains and encourages a supportive partnership with your organization and is available to you should any questions or concerns arise. We can redirect them to your organization via our Helpline, which is open to Ukrainian-displaced people looking for psychological, social, or emotional help in their region.

We can assist and collaborate in various ways, such as promoting social media channels, organizing webinars, and creating online materials - ultimately serving our common goal of raising awareness of the services and support available to the Ukrainian community.

Who can contact the legal advice program, and do you offer legal representation?

Our services are available to Ukrainians under Temporary Protection in the Netherlands, representatives of municipal locations and municipalities, and other organizations and state bodies. While we do not offer full legal representation, in critical cases, we may intervene on an individual’s behalf.

We are always pleased to hear if an organization would like to explore working together with a Ukrainian psychologist. At Empatia, we are eager to help you find the best match that suits both your organization’s and your clientele’s needs and challenges while making sure that your new psychologist can become an essential and valued member of your team.

Typically, our assistance would look like the following:

Consultation will be provided to understand your organization, current circumstances, timelines, and motive to hire a Ukrainian psychologist. Our Matching & Placement team will provide consultation and an initial needs assessment.

Employment terms and conditions We will explore together the practicalities of this role, including the required expertise, qualifications and certificates, working hours, location, target group, etc. At the end of this stage, there will be clear guidelines on employee conditions and a formulated offer letter.

Matching and Placement With these clear expectations, Empatia will begin shortlisting candidates from our database of psychologists in the Netherlands. For more detailed information on how we conduct our screenings of psychologists.

Partnership
After a successful match, Empatia gladly maintains and encourages a supportive partnership with your organization and is available to you should any questions or concerns arise. We can redirect them to your organization via our Helpline, which is open to Ukrainian-displaced people looking for psychological, social, or emotional help in their region.

We can assist and collaborate in various ways, such as promoting social media channels, organizing webinars, and creating online materials - ultimately serving our common goal of raising awareness of the services and support available to the Ukrainian community.