Theo Francken is calling for a new residence card for Ukrainian refugees

MP Theo Francken is calling for the introduction of a new residence card - the T card for temporarily displaced persons - that could apply to Ukrainian refugees. Since these refugees have been given the status of temporarily displaced persons by a decision of State Secretary Mahdi, they are now entitled to an A card, which gives them access to Social security Social security is currently managed at the Federal level in Belgium. The most important pillars of Belgian social security are: sickness and invalidity insurance (NIDHI), pensions, unemployment insurance and child allowances. In addition, occupational illness, occupational accidents and annual holidays are dealt with at this level. Some Flemish parties have been campaigning for years for (large parts of) social security to be transferred to the Regions and Communities. social security and a living wage. “I want the refugees to have bed, bath and bread, but with the necessary support and access to work. This is possible with the T card. The European directive on temporarily displaced persons also allows this perfectly,” Theo Francken says.

Theo Francken will therefore submit a bill on this in the Chamber. “Such a T card only has advantages: no pressure on the overheated rental market, no discrimination against workers who earn a living wage and have to rent housing and provide for themselves. This is the best, warmest reception with many more opportunities for psychological counselling, education and medical support. Moreover, it keeps the Ukrainian community together without translation and communication problems,” Theo Francken says.