Ukraine/Russia Resources

March 10, 2022

Ukrainians Within the EU

After crossing the EU border for the first time, can I continue to travel to other EU or Schengen countries?

Yes, Ukrainians or nationals from other visa free countries can continue and travel to other EU/Schengen countries. However, if you crossed the EU border for the first time through a country that is not part of the EU area without internal border control (Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Ireland) your documents will, as a general rule, be checked again at the border crossing point of the next Schengen country.

Can I move between countries that are part of the Schengen area?

Yes. Once you enter a country that is part of this area, you can move, in principle without border checks, to other countries that are part of the Schengen area. However, you can only do so for 90 days within a 180 days period.

Note that Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not EU countries, but they are Schengen countries. You can travel to those countries once you have entered the Schengen area, but your rights related to international or temporary protection may differ from those you have in EU countries.

While Denmark is an EU and a Schengen country, it does not take part in the temporary protection scheme and does not apply the EU rules on Asylum. Therefore, your rights related to international or temporary protection in Denmark may differ from those you have in other EU countries.

March 4, 2022

The EU Member states will provide temporary protection for up to one year. It can be extended for an additional 12 months. Facilitating free movement for Ukrainians & 3rd country nationals legally residing in UA
Providing minimum standards while each country will be allowed to do more, but not less.
Possibility to engage in work as employed or self-employed
Access to reasonable housing, medical care & education for minors under 18
People are encouraged to not apply for refugee status in order to not overwhelm the member states' asylum systems, yet it should be possible to change status to employment/work permit after 90 days.

March 2, 2022

All business has stopped to Ukraine and Belarus due to the security situation. And almost all business to Russia is halted indefinitely due to legal sanctions.

• Swift bank transfers and transmittals are blocked for Russia, making payments to and from Russia very difficult.
• A serious shortage of drivers in international road transport is looming in the coming weeks. Many companies in Central and Eastern Europe are making use of Ukrainian drivers and they are currently being called upon to join the fight against Russia.
• According to an international estimate, there are also approximately 12,000 drivers stranded in and around Ukraine. That is why shippers all over Europe are asking governments to take appropriate measures quickly.
• Air shipments are only possible to a few locations where countries still allowing flights to Russia, but effectively all commercial air traffic has stopped from the EU and most NATO countries with few pending exceptions (such as Turkey).

March 1 2022

• Ukraine severed diplomatic relations with Russia as of 24.02.2022.
• State of emergency declared as of 25.02.2022
• General mobilization declared as of 25.02.2022
• Airspace over Ukraine closed, all airports are closed and used for military purposes only.
• Ukraine closed land border with Belarus.
• State authorities urges citizens to stay at home along with recommendations to go to the bomb shelter for Kiev and Vinnitsa citizens.
• The National Bank of Ukraine has limited cash withdrawals of UAH 100,000 and stopped the work of the foreign exchange market. A moratorium has been introduced on cross-border payments and withdrawals by Russian residents.
• The National Bank of Ukraine has banned any foreign exchange transactions using the Russian and Belarusian rubles.

Ukraine organized evacuation railway trips in Lugansk, Donetsk and Odessa regions.

Immediate Impact on People

• Curfew introduced in cities and regions of Ukraine from 22:00 to 06:00 (07:00 depending on region): Kiev, Kharkov region, Dnepr region, Cherkasy region, Vinnitsa region, Zaporozhye region, Rovno, Poltava region.
• Ukrposhta, McDonald's, Uber temporarily suspended work in Ukraine.
• Key roads and highways operate as normal.
• Businesses and public transport generally continue to operate.
• Public transportation in Kiev and Kharkov operates free of charge.
• Queues at ATMs, pharmacies, gas stations.
• Schools and kindergartens in the country are temporarily closed.
• International schools are closed.

Impact on Services

Immigration

• Immigration documents procurement, as well as entry in Ukraine are temporarily suspended due to military emergency and martial law.
• Exit from Ukraine is heavily restricted due to suspension of civil air traffic and military activities. Please note that male Ukrainian citizens aged 18-60 will not be let out from the country due to the Presidents’ decree on mobilization, dated Feb 24.
• Exit is possible via land borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary (West), Moldova, Romania (South-West). All of these countries currently allow Ukrainian citizens to enter visa-free.
• Poland has introduced multiple specific measures helping refugees from Ukraine, including temporary suspension of visa regime.
• Slovakia has suspended covid-related measures for refugees from Ukraine, lifting mandatory quarantine for unvaccinated persons and pre-registration.

Moving

• Due to current situation, moving services, unfortunately, are not possible in Ukraine at the present period of time.
• There are no restrictions on packaging / delivery in Belarus and Ukraine now, everything is working as usual.
• Please note, that international transport may operate unstable, delays are possible.

General Updates

April 7, 2022

Shipping household goods still possible, but with significant transit delays, wait time, and increased costs.  Shipments in and out of Russia are continuing; however, there are a few important things to note.

• Large number of people are moving out of Russia, so it is important to schedule any packing dates as soon as possible.
• Air freight is limited due to fewer flights in and out of Russia. Most airfreight is being routed through Istanbul or Dubai. The lack of options has created delays.
• Sea freight is being routed through Riga, Latvia. Wait time for a container is on average one month.
• Limited transportation options have increased prices by two to four times depending on the destination.

March 8, 2022

It is becoming more difficult to leave Russia because of the closure of airspace to Russian planes and reciprocally to a number of foreign airlines. The largest airline Aeroflot suspends all their flights to foreign countries (except Belarus) starting from 8^th March.

Federal Air Transport Agency has recommended using foreign airlines for flights to the third countries which didn’t restrict air traffic with Russia. Passengers may enter Russia by flights from such countries as Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Qatar, UAE, Turkey, and Serbia. Meanwhile the availability of options should be monitored on day-by-day basis.

The most popular relocation areas for Russian employees (especially from the IT industry) are EA/EU countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Belarus). Under EA/EU agreement they provide an exemption from obtaining work permits for nationals of one party to the agreement who are employed in the territory of any other party. Accordingly, Russian nationals do not require work permits in these countries as well as a visa to reside in these countries – but their length of stay may differ.

March 7, 2022

Impacts to Russians and Belarusians

Russians throughout Europe are being affected by the suspension of Visa processes.

All new Visa applications for Russian nationals are suspended in The Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania and Iceland.

The EU council has partially suspended the visa issuance for certain visa types for Russians. This applies to Russian diplomats and Russian officials. They no longer qualify for this visa and will be required to follow standard processes for short-term Schengen visas.

Investor Visas, often known as ‘Golden Visas’ are now suspended in Portugal, Greece, Malta, Spain and The United Kingdom.

Several foreign embassies have also now suspended services in Russia and in Belarus.

Standard visa applications remain in place for Russian and Belarusian nationals currently in most countries, however the situation long-term remains uncertain.

The impact on Russians goes beyond immigration as the effect is already significant in the sectors of finance, travel, retail and education.

Travel

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to impact global travel.

The European Union closed all airspace across its 27 countries to Russian airplanes on Sunday February 27^th.

In response to the EU ban, the Russian Civil Aviation Authority announced on Monday February 28th that it has closed its airspace to the carriers of 36 countries.

The United Kingdom closed its airspace to Russian aircraft on Thursday 3^rd March, with Russia responding with its own UK ban on Friday 4^th March.

Canadian airspace is also closed to Russian aircraft operators.

The main option for those leaving Russia by air is the Middle East, often via Istanbul, Turkey, however flights have now become very expensive.

Many Russians are now attempting to leave Russia before martial law is imposed as Military service is compulsory in Russia. When that is actioned, men aged 18-60 may not be able to leave.

March 4, 2022

Due to the current situation, many foreign citizens engaged in labor activity on the territory of the Russian Federation on the basis of work permits for highly qualified specialists decide to leave the territory of the Russian Federation for an indefinite period.

In the present situation, employers of such foreign citizens need to remember the following:

1. To maintain the status of a highly qualified specialist, the employer needs to pay the minimum wage per month – 167,000 rubles gross. If it is impossible to pay wages (for example, in case employee took leave at his own expense), the minimum amount of wages within one quarter should be paid in the amount of 501,000 rubles before taxes.
2. The period of stay of a foreign citizen abroad should not exceed 6 months. If this period is exceeded, the work permit of a highly qualified specialist will be canceled. A similar rule applies to highly qualified specialists who have a residence permit in the Russian Federation issued based on HQS work permit.
3. If a decision is made to terminate an employment contract with a foreign citizen, please inform Vista as early as possible to receive advice within the framework of a specific case.

March 3, 2022

Suspension of facilitated Schengen visas within the EU.  The agreement on the facilitation of visa issuance for certain Russian visas has been has partially suspended by The European Council.

Russian diplomats, other Russians who previously qualified for the visa facilitation will no longer benefit from special processing.  They will now need to follow the standard non-streamlined procedures when applying for a short-term Schengen visa.

Russian nationals’ entry rights worldwide. As of 3/3/2022 no country has banned the entry of Russian citizens or suspended the renewal of existing permits or visas for Russian citizens applying in their destination country, however the long-term situation remains uncertain. 

Travel impacts for Russian citizens

 The European Union, other countries within Europe, the Unites States and Canada have closed their airways to Russian     flights, and several airlines have limited travel over Russia.

March 2, 2022

All business has stopped to Ukraine and Belarus due to the security situation. And almost all business to Russia is halted indefinitely due to legal sanctions.

• Swift bank transfers and transmittals are blocked for Russia, making payments to and from Russia very difficult.
• The trucking prices in Russia have increased up to 400% for import and 300% for export since the war started.
• Trucking companies are defying the contract terms, and demanding prepayments; some will only accept cash.
• Many transport companies are refusing to travel through Belarus and opting for transit through the Baltic countries, thus making a detour (resulting in much longer transit) and making the tariffs more expensive. However, the transit through Baltic customs is also hectic as the customs inspection is conducted for 30% of the trucks especially with household goods shipments.
• Russian truckers are facing difficulties in moving around the EU due to strict regulations which is leading to more scarcity in transport availability.
• A serious shortage of drivers in international road transport is looming in the coming weeks. Many companies in Central and Eastern Europe are making use of Ukrainian drivers and they are currently being called upon to join the fight against Russia.
• According to an international estimate, there are also approximately 12,000 drivers stranded in and around Ukraine. That is why shippers all over Europe are asking governments to take appropriate measures quickly.
• Air shipments are only possible to a few locations where countries still allowing flights to Russia, but effectively all commercial air traffic has stopped from the EU and most NATO countries with few pending exceptions (such as Turkey).
• For international staff, we are getting reports that it is increasingly difficult to transfer in and out of Russia.

March 8, 2022

Government authorities released on 7 March, the Disposition 417/2022 approving the humanitarian visa and residence work permit for Ukrainian nationals and relatives, regardless of the nationalities of them.

Either Consular procedure and In Country processes can be applied. In addition, they will also be waived of Government Fees.

March 4, 2022

Change of status from visitor to temp resident possible for Ukrainians.

March 4, 2022

• Priority for outstanding visa applications from Ukrainian nationals.
• Close family members can apply on behalf of their family members in Ukraine
• Automatic visa extensions for 6 months will be given to Ukrainian nationals in Australia who have a visa expiring before 30 June 2022.

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Automatic extensions of stay for Ukrainians already in country.

March 29 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use all Wienen Linien local public transport and OeBB trains free of charge.

March 28, 2022

Belgium: People fleeing from Ukraine can use SNCB/NMBS trains free of charge.

March 10, 2022

European directive transposed into Belgian law provides for minimum standards for granting temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons on the territory of the European Union. 

As of Monday 07.03.2022, Ukrainian nationals with their identity documents can present themselves at the registration center at 121 Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000 Brussels, at 8.30 a.m. to apply for temporary protection. 
 
This applies to:

- Ukrainian nationals residing in Ukraine and their family members

-third country nationals or stateless persons enjoying protection in Ukraine and their family members. 
 
Anyone wishing to be considered for temporary protection must report in person to the registration center with their Ukrainian identity documents.
 
Registration is carried out and a temporary protection certificate is issued if the conditions for granting temporary protection are fulfilled. 
 
With this attestation, the municipal administration of the place of residence issues to the person an A card valid for one year.
 
Important remark: 
If you already have a residence permit in Belgium or a declaration of arrival issued by the local authority, your presence on Belgian territory is covered. Please do not go to the registration center immediately to avoid long waiting times or to avoid having to come back another day.

Ukrainian Nationals

Ukrainian nationals with biometric passports can enter without visa for 90 days. Once in country, one can change status to long term or asylum.

Netherlands

March 4, 2022

• Ukrainians in the Netherlands for a short stay of up to 90 days can extend their short-stay visa or visa-exempt term for a maximum of 90 days, up to a total of 180 days. This is also possible if the visa or visa-exempt term has already expired, which does not have any adverse effects.
• Those who have applied for an MVV in Ukraine or in the Netherlands and have received a positive decision and are in the Netherlands on a short-stay visa or a visa-exempt term, will soon be able to collect their MVV at an IND desk (rather than at the Dutch embassy).
• Ukrainian nationals who have travelled to the Netherlands without an MVV, who are in the Netherlands on a short-stay visa or a visa-exempt term and who meet all the conditions for a residence permit, except for the basic civic integration exam abroad, may be able to apply for a first residence permit without an MVV.
• Ukrainian nationals holding Dutch residence permits which is due to expire soon and who cannot apply for an extension can remain in the Netherlands and will not be penalised in future visa or residence permit applications.
• The IND will be flexible with Ukrainian nationals holding a Dutch residence permit who are abroad and unable to return to the Netherlands in time due to the situation in Ukraine.
• From 28 February 2022, the IND does not have to take a decision on Ukrainian asylum applications for 6 months. This is called a decision moratorium. Also, the Repatriation and Departure Service will not force Ukrainians to depart if their application was previously rejected by the IND. This is called a departure moratorium. Ukraine will also not be considered a safe country of origin for 6 months. This is because of the uncertain situation in Ukraine. the IND is extending the decision period for pending and new asylum applications by 1 year. The IND is currently examining whether it is still possible to continue interviews. And whether the IND can still take a positive decision in some cases.
  • Ukrainian asylum seekers who have received a negative decision (exhausted all legal means) are not obliged to return to Ukraine during the departure moratorium
  • The moratoria do not apply in the following situations:
    • Another EU member state is responsible for their asylum application (Dublin). For example, because they have already applied for asylum in that member state. Alternatively, because they have a visa issued by that member state.
    • The person concerned already has protection in another EU member state, has been recognised as a refugee in another country or already has a residence permit somewhere else.  
    • The IND stops considering the application because, for example, you did not go to your interview. Or because you left with an unknown destination. This means that the IND does not look at the contents of the case. In this case, the asylum seeker does come under the departure moratorium and does not have to leave the Netherlands for now. 
    • The IND has rejected the application on the grounds that the person concerned committed war crimes. Or because they are a danger to the public order or national security.

Extensions of stay for Ukrainians already in country.

Russia and Belarus Updates - March 2, 2022

There are no official restrictions on the part of the Brazilian government preventing flights from Russia.

As a visitor, they can enter Brazil for up to 90 days.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use BDZ trains free of charge.

March 10, 2022

ENTERING BULGARIA

Since 2017, Bulgaria, as part of the EU, has an agreement with Ukraine on visa-free travel. It guarantees the possibility for all Ukrainian citizens to enter the territory of our country only with their biometric passports and to stay for a period of 90 days within 6 months without the need to obtain any permission from the authorities.

After the Russian attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Ukrainian citizens automatically had the right to seek asylum in Bulgaria without these conditions being met, that is, even if they do not have a valid passport to travel abroad.

In this regard, the European Commission has issued operational instructions to the border police authorities of the EU member states to ease the entry regime for refugees from the war in Ukraine.

This means that they can enter any EU country, including Bulgaria, if they have one of the following types of documents :

• biometric passport
• old format passport without biometric data
• ID card
• driving license
• birth certificate - for children under 14 years

Due to the emergency situation , the entry of refugees from Ukraine is allowed, who :

• have one of the above documents, but it has expired;

• do not have any of these documents, but have other official documents that indicate their identity - for example: certificates, passes, diplomas, membership cards, bank cards, employment records, property documents and the like;

• do not have absolutely any documents - exceptionally and after an inspection by the border police under Article 8 of the Schengen Visa Code.

It is also allowed to enter Bulgaria by car , regardless of whether or not there is international insurance. More information about car insurance after entering Bulgaria - see: http://guaranteefund.org/bg/kontakti .

REGISTRATION IN BULGARIA

On March 3, 2022, the EU implemented the Temporary Protection Directive for refugees from Ukraine. This means that refugees from Ukraine automatically receive temporary protection as refugees in the territory of the EU Member States for an initial period of 1 year.

On March 9, the Bulgarian government adopted an act granting temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine to Bulgaria, which will enter into force on the date of its publication in the State Gazette on March 10, 2022.

In the coming weeks , an organization will be set up in most regional cities to register at special checkpoints, possibly with the police , where refugees from Ukraine will be able to register and obtain a Bulgarian residence permit for up to a year under temporary protection.

This document is called the "registration card of a foreigner with temporary protection".

The regional cities in Bulgaria are - Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazadrzhik, Pleven, Pernik, Plovdiv, Razgad, Ruse, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia , Stara Zagora, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen, Yambol and the capital Sofia.

RIGHTS AS A REFUGEE FROM UKRAINE IN BULGARIA

After the registration in Bulgaria and the receipt of a registration card of a foreigner with temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine immediately and by law, several important rights arise, without the need to obtain other registrations or permits. These rights apply for the period of temporary protection granted to them, which was initially set at 1 year.

According to the law, refugees from Ukraine under temporary protection have the right to:

• to remain in Bulgaria for the period of temporary protection

• labor and work - without the need for any permission

• vocational training, if necessary

• appropriate accommodation or means of accommodation if necessary:
  ​​The Government has announced that from March 7, 2022 it will provide a fixed amount of money per day for each Ukrainian refugee accommodated both in private hotels and in holiday resorts and bases of municipalities and state departments.

• social assistance

• emergency medical care:
  People from vulnerable groups - children under 18, unaccompanied children, pregnant women, single parents with minors, the elderly and people with disabilities, serious health problems, mental disorders victims of trafficking or torture, rape or other severe forms of violence - have the right to full medical care as Bulgarian citizens .

• of free education for children under 18:
• free to return to their country of origin if they wish.

After 1 year, the term of temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine may be extended by six months to a total of 3 years.

This period could be terminated earlier if the war is over and peace and independence are restored in Ukraine.

However, if this does not happen after the expiration of the full term of temporary protection, refugees from Ukraine have the right to submit to Bulgaria an individual application for asylum and international protection , which will be considered and decided by the administration of the State Agency for Refugees.

March 9, 2022

REGISTRATION IN BULGARIA

On March 3, 2022, the EU implemented the Temporary Protection Directive for refugees from Ukraine. This means that refugees from Ukraine automatically receive temporary protection as refugees in the territory of the EU member states for an initial period of 1 year. In the coming days, the Bulgarian government is expected to adopt an act determining where and how refugees from Ukraine will be able to register in Bulgaria and obtain their Bulgarian residence documents as refugees under temporary protection. This document is called the "registration card of a foreigner with temporary protection". After 1 year, the term of temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine may be extended by six months to a total of 3 years. This period could be terminated earlier if the war is over and peace is restored in Ukraine

A program for the legal protection of refugees and migrants of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee has opened a hotline for legal assistance.

Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00: 00359 2 980 20 49

Monday to Friday, 07:00 - 09:00 / 17:00 - 20:00: 00359 8888 19,745 (hotline)

Saturday and Sunday, 10.00 - 12.00 / 13.00 - 16.00: 00359 8888 19 745 (hotline)

ENTERING BULGARIA

Since 2017, Bulgaria, as part of the EU, has an agreement with Ukraine on visa-free travel. It guarantees the possibility for all Ukrainian citizens to enter the territory of our country only with their biometric passports and to stay for a period of 90 days within 6 months without the need to obtain any permission from the authorities. After Russia's attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Ukrainian citizens automatically had the right to seek asylum as refugees in Bulgaria without these conditions being met, that is, even if they do not have a valid passport to travel abroad. In this regard, the European Commission has issued operational instructions to the border police authorities of the EU member states to ease the entry regime for refugees from the war in Ukraine.

This means that they can enter any EU country, including Bulgaria, if they have one of the following types of documents:

• biometric passport
• old format passport without biometric data
• ID card
• driving license
• birth certificate - for children under 14 years

Due to the emergency situation, the entry of refugees from Ukraine is allowed, who:

• have one of the mentioned documents, which, however, has expired;
• do not have any of these documents, but have other official documents that indicate their identity, for example: certificates, passes, diplomas, membership cards, bank cards, employment records, property documents and the like;
• do not have absolutely any documents - exceptionally and after a check by the border police under Article 8 of the Schengen Visa Code.

It is also allowed to enter Bulgaria by car, regardless of whether or not there is international insurance. More information about car insurance after entering Bulgaria - see: http://guaranteefund.org/bg/kontakti.

March 1, 2022

Ninety days of stay is allowed for Ukrainian nationals working remotely in Bulgaria. After the initial 90 days, work authorization is required. Some common work authorizations for Bulgaria include the EU Blue Card, the Single Work and Residency Permit and the ICT (Intra Corporate Transfer) Permit.  

The EU Blue Card is valid for up to four years. To be eligible, foreign nationals must earn a minimum of BGN 2,100 per month and hold at least a bachelor’s degree.  

The Single Work and Residency Permit is initially valid for three years. To qualify, a Labor Market Test must be completed prior to the application being submitted. In addition, the hiring company cannot have over 20% to 30% foreign nationals on the permit compared to the number of Bulgarian nationals working in the company.  

The ICT Permit is a pathway open to managers, specialists and trainees that will remain employed by the home country company.  

Generally, it takes around four to five months for the entire work permit application process to be completed.  

March 21, 2022

In response to the invasion of Ukraine on March 17, 2022, The Government of Canada issued a call to all Canadian employers who wish to support Ukrainians with offers of employment to register these offers on Job Bank's Jobs for Ukraine webpage. Links to those websites are below.

Canada launches new temporary residence pathway to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine

Jobs for Ukraine

Employers are encouraged to visit Job Bank's Jobs for Ukraine, create a job posting and notify Job Bank that the job posting is for Ukraine. A Job Bank representative will follow up shortly with more information.

Job Bank will create a list of employers with jobs available for Ukrainian nationals and then work with local organizations and employers to help connect them with Ukrainians seeking work in their communities.

Information about new immigration measures for people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including work permits, is available here.

March 3, 2022

As part of the Government of Canada’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing new immigration streams for Ukrainians who want to come to Canada temporarily or permanently.

For Ukrainians who want to come to Canada temporarily, Canada will create a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, available for individuals fleeing Ukraine. There will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can apply. This is the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians to come to Canada and eliminates many of the normal visa requirements. All Ukrainian nationals will be able to apply through this new path, and, pending background check and security screening, their stay in Canada could be extended by at least 2 years

All Ukrainians who come to Canada as part of these measures will be eligible to apply for open work permits, making it easier for employers to quickly hire Ukrainian nationals. As previously announced, IRCC will issue open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers and students who are currently in Canada and cannot safely go home.

More information on these new temporary and permanent residence programs, including processing times, will be available in the coming days and weeks.

Quick facts

• IRCC established a dedicated service channel for Ukraine immigration enquiries available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. Clients can add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC crisis web form with their enquiry and it will be prioritized.
• Since January 1, 2022, over 6,100 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada. All immigrants, refugees and visitors, including temporary foreign workers and students, are carefully screened before coming into Canada. This screening ensures that they do not pose a threat to the health, safety or security of Canadians.
• The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has issued a class-based national interest exemption to allow unvaccinated and partially vaccinated Ukrainian nationals who hold a temporary resident visa or permit to enter Canada. This also applies to people who are vaccinated with vaccines not currently recognized by Canada. These individuals will be subject to all other public health requirements to protect the health of Canadians. We have a responsibility to protect the safety and security of Canadians and the Ukrainians that are already here.
• In addition to these new measures, IRCC previously announced that we will waive fees, retroactive to February 22, 2022, for certain travel and immigration documents. These include Canadian passports, permanent resident travel documents, proofs of citizenship, visitor visas, as well as work and study permits. Further details will be made available in the coming weeks as these measures launch.
• IRCC is prioritizing and urgently processing travel documents for Canadians, permanent residents, and their immediate family members, including issuing single-journey travel documents for immediate family members who do not have valid passports. Many of these documents are issued within 24 hours.
• IRCC continues to prioritize citizenship grant applications for adoption, and permanent and temporary residence applications for people with a primary residence in Ukraine who want to reunite or travel with family, study, work or start a new life in Canada.
• IRCC is prioritizing the renewal of work and study permits, so Ukrainians currently in Canada can extend their stay in Canada. We also extended a policy that allows individuals to apply for a work permit from within Canada. This policy allows temporary residents who receive a job offer to remain in Canada and start working while they wait for their work permit application to be processed.
• IRCC has increased operational readiness in Europe, including relocating staff and moving additional supplies and equipment, such as mobile biometric collection kits, in anticipation of an increased volume of requests. We are also adjusting operations in offices across our global network to ensure service continuity for Ukraine. Online options are available for most applications.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has an administrative deferral of removals (ADR) in place for Ukraine. An ADR is a temporary measure that can delay a removal order that would normally require a person to leave Canada immediately. The removal of these individuals resumes once the situation in their country or region stabilizes, and those who are not allowed in Canada for security reasons or on grounds of criminality, international or human rights violations, or organized crime can still be removed despite the ADR.

March 3, 2022

New streams for Ukrainian refugee's, Program highlights for those seeking entry to Canada:

- No current cap on applications

– Dedicated service lines

- Expedited processing

- Reduced documentation requirements

- Open work permits

- Open study permits

- Pathway anticipated to have this stream open for applications within two weeks.

The IRCC will quickly implement a special expedited family sponsorship program for permanent residence, details forthcoming in the next few weeks.

March 1, 2022

Ukrainian Nationals.

1. Priority processing for applications from all Ukrainian Nationals and new opportunities for those currently in Canada to apply to stay while in Canada.
2. Dedicated call center services for Ukrainian nationals.

From the Government Website:

“We put new measures in place to help people affected by the ongoing situation in Ukraine. We’re

• urgently processing new and replacement passports and travel documents for citizens and permanent residents of Canada in Ukraine so they can return to Canada at any time
• This includes immediate family members who will come with them.
• prioritizing applications from people who currently live in Ukraine for
• permanent residence
• proof of citizenship
• temporary residence
• citizenship grant for adoption
• adding new ways to make sure people who contact us get answers as fast as possible
• extending a temporary public policy that lets some visitors in Canada, including Ukrainians, apply for a work permit from within Canada
• This means people who get a job offer can stay in Canada and start working while their work permit application is processed.”

Family Sponsorship:

“If you have immediate family in Ukraine

It’s important to keep families and loved ones together. We have programs that let Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor eligible family members to come to Canada.

We’ll review all applications to see if they should be prioritized. You can submit your application normally; you don’t need to use a special process.

When reviewing your application, we’ll prioritize it if

• you’re a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act
• the family member you’re sponsoring is
• a Ukrainian national outside Canada and
• one of the following family members:
• your spouse or common-law or conjugal partner
• your dependent child (including adopted children)

Learn more about family sponsorship.

Links to Canadian Government source:

1. General – Ukraine measures:

https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux_developpement/response_conflict-reponse_conflits/crisis-crises/ukraine.aspx?lang=eng

1. Immigration – Ukraine specific:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures.html

Canada Government direct contact points.

“Contact us about the situation in Ukraine

If you’re affected by the situation in Ukraine, you can contact us

• using our web form (add the keyword UKRAINE2022 in the “Your enquiry” box and we’ll prioritize your request)

by phone at +1-613-321-4243 (collect calls accepted)”

Feb. 28 2022

The Canadian government is urgently processing immigration applications from Ukraine residents and processing passports and travel documents for Canadian citizens and permanent residents currently in Ukraine.

Ukrainian nationals that are currently living in Canada on a temporary basis can apply to extend their status.

Ukrainian nationals with temporary residence status, who have received a job offer in Canada, will be permitted to begin working while their work permit application is processed. Open work permits can be issued to Ukrainian nationals so that they can legally remain in Canada.  

Russia and Belarus Update - March 2, 2022

No restrictions currently for Canada

Ukrainians may enter as tourists for 90 days; must hold a passport with three months’ validity.

April 13th, 2022

TPD Update

Under the general rules, Ukrainian nationals may enter Croatia with either: (i) Ukrainian biometric passport; or (ii) Ukrainian non-biometric passport and a short-stay visa. This being said, Croatian authorities have unofficially suspended this rule and Ukrainian nationals may enter Croatia with a non-biometric passport absent a short-stay visa. Ukrainian nationals have a legal stay of 90 days. Then, if they wish, they can obtain temporary protection.

A temporary protection has been allowed to Ukraine nationals. The duration of this temporary protection is fixed at one year, renewable up to a maximum of three years. The temporary protection entails Ukraine nationals to obtain a provisional residence document. The beneficiary of a temporary protection1 shall proceed to the police department or the police station in which he/she resides, to request the issue of this provisional residence document. 1 The protection applies to: (i) Ukrainian nationals with residence in Ukraine on 24.02.2022; (ii) Ukrainian nationals who have left Ukraine immediately before 24.02.2022 due to the security situation in Ukraine and cannot travel back to Ukraine due to the armed conflict; (iii) stateless persons, and nationals of third countries other than Ukraine, who were beneficiaries of international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine on 24 February 2022; (iv) family members of the persons referred to in points (i), (ii) and (iii); (v) nationals of third countries other than Ukraine with a valid temporary stay in Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and who cannot go back to their country or region of origin in a safe and permanent manner.

The persons who have been granted temporary protection have the right to work in Croatia without obtaining any work permit.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use HŽ Putnički prijevoz trains free of charge with ‘solidarity tickets’ and with a “Help Ukraine Ticket”.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use RegioJet, Leo Express, České dráhy trains and Arriva transport free of charge. They can also use Prague public transport and public transport in the Central Bohemian Region.

Ukrainian nationals currently residing in the Czech Republic on a valid long-term residence permit will need to apply for an extension under the regular rules of extension. Ukrainian nationals holding a visa waiver, Schengen visa, seasonal visa or special work visa that expires in less than 14 days can apply for a special long-stay visa. Ukrainian nationals will be permitted to continue to work on a work permit after the expiration date.  

Ukrainian nationals can travel to the Czech Republic without a visa so long as they can present a valid biometric passport. These travelers will be permitted to remain in the Czech Republic, visa-free, for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period.  

Ukrainian nationals with residence permit currently processing at an embassy abroad will be permitted to complete the application process in the Czech Republic.

Russia and Belarus Update - March 2, 2022

Czech consular posts are no longer issuing visas for these Russians or Belarussians.

March 21, 2022

Temporary Protection Directive

Cyprus Government has decided on the 17^th of March 2022, to grant temporary protection to Ukrainian Nationals who arrived in the Republic of Cyprus after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to those who were already in the Republic for business or tourism purposes. The Ministry of Tourism will provide 3 thousand accommodations where the Ukrainian Nationals will be accommodated.

Regarding the Ukrainian Nationals who will come at a later stage, the Minister of Interior Mr. Nouris, stated that they will be treated differently.

Those expected to arrive in Cyprus along with the ones who are already in Cyprus, will have to proceed with a registration on the website of the Asylum Service of the Ministry of Interior and will receive an electronic approval on the same day. Afterwards, the Ukrainian Nationals will have to visit the Immigration District Offices of the Civil Registry and Migration Department for the submission of their biometric data, in order to issue a residence permit card. The residence permit card will be valid for one year, until March 2023, as per the European Directive and will grant them all the rights in areas of medical coverage, access to the labor market and housing allowance benefits.

April 13, 2022

TPD Update

Special act passed by Danish Parliament

• As Denmark is not bound by the EU Temporary Protection Directive due to an opt-out on legal issues, a special act was passed with effect from 17 March, mirroring the directive except for a few differences: stateless persons from Ukraine are not included, and a permit will be given for two years at first, with the possibility of extension for a further year.
• An application for protection can be made by those fleeing Ukraine by filling out an online form and booking a time slot for registration at one of the Immigration Service's offices. Those not covered by the special act may lodge a request for asylum at any police station or reception center Sandholm.

Arrival, accommodation, and benefits

• According to the Danish Immigration Service, as of 25 March 28 000 people have arrived from Ukraine and registered in Denmark. 2 000 of these have applied for asylum and are now accommodated in asylum centers. As of 28 March, 750 have been granted protection under the special act.
• New processing centers are being established to handle the high numbers of applications being made, and a number of new asylum centers have also been opened. The Danish government estimates that up to 100 000 may arrive from Ukraine.
• Most Ukrainian refugees are staying in private homes temporarily, with family or Danes. Some are accommodated by municipalities in empty buildings such as closed schools, sports facilities and military barracks.
• Civil society actors are organizing special bus transportation from Poland to Denmark, paid for by private sponsors and coordinated in conjunction with local authorities. Empty buses are filled with food and other necessities and driven to Poland, and then used for the return journey to drive displaced people to Denmark to register for protection.
• Danish municipalities are being granted 200 million DKK to reimburse private individuals accommodating those fleeing Ukraine. Hosts can apply at their local council to host a displaced person, and will receive up to 500 DKK per day to cover food and rent. Payments vary between municipalities, with some paying none and others paying up to 250 DKK per day.

• A new partnership has been established between the government, local municipalities, regional administrations, the unions and the Confederation of Danish Employers, to coordinate and facilitate the reception and integration of Ukrainians. This includes focus on access to the labor market, provision of Danish language and employment skills courses, and evaluation of individual competencies.
• The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is running 3 free webinars in March and April to prepare professionals such as teachers, nurses, social workers and job center employees for welcoming new arrivals from Ukraine. 
• Refugees have full access to all education in Denmark on the same terms as Danes, but the permits issued under the new special act only give access to vocational rather than higher education. However, Danish language training is freely accessible, and all children including new arrivals have full access to school.

Denmark is seeking to increase its labor force, and 16 000 Ukrainians were already living in the country before the Russian invasion. For this reason, those coming from Ukraine now are being welcomed on the assumption that they will be self-sufficient and contribute to the labor market .

An obstacle is the existence of strict requirements for accessing the labor market. Denmark is mainly in need of skilled labor, especially in the health and care sectors and in vocational positions. Ukrainians in Denmark, though, typically work in unskilled and low-paid jobs, such as agriculture, as most jobs that provide good conditions and good salaries require extensive Danish language skills and education. Further, degrees from abroad are rarely recognized in practice. Of foreigners living in Denmark with a higher education from their home country, half are working in unskilled jobs.

If those fleeing Ukraine do end up staying more than a few years in Denmark, they will face very strict requirements for securing permanent residency and family reunification.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use DSB trains free of charge.
Ukrainian cars can pass Öresundsbron (Denmark-Sweden bridge) without being charged.

March 10, 2022

A majority in the Danish Parliament has reached an agreement that a new special law soon must be put in place, which can ensure that you as an Ukrainian citizen quickly can obtain a temporary residence permit and create a basis for a life in Denmark with school, education and work.

It follows from the agreement:

• That you do not have to apply for asylum to obtain a residence permit under the new special law.
• That the special law will cover Ukrainian citizens and persons with refugee status in Ukraine as well as accompanying core family and other family members supported in the same household.
• The new special law is expected to enter into force in mid-March. The idea is that you very soon hereafter will be able to obtain a residence permit under the special law, if you are covered by the special law.
• The Danish Immigration Service will as soon as possible inform about when and how you can apply for a residence permit under the special law.
• You do not have to apply for asylum to obtain a residence permit under the upcoming special law.

March 4, 2022

The Danish government will soon introduce a bill for a special act that ensures Ukrainian refugees’ right to residence and work in Denmark.
Currently, Ukrainian nationals can travel to Denmark and stay for up to 90 days with no access to the Danish labor market and welfare system, as Ukraine is not part of the EU.
With the proposed special act, the government wants to provide Ukrainian refugees who come to Denmark the opportunity to get temporary residence, enter the labor market and be able to send their children to school immediately after entry.
The Danish government expects to introduce the bill during the first half of March and have the bill rushed through the Danish Parliament.

An extension of stay has been introduced for any Ukrainian nationals who entered the country on a visa-free stay. Ukrainian nationals who are unable to leave Denmark within 90 days will be eligible to apply for a stay extension of 90 additional days.

Ukrainian nationals who applied for a residence permit on the grounds of work or study can apply to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) for an extension of stay if they are unable to leave Denmark and return to Ukraine.  

Ukrainian citizens holding valid passport may enter 90 days as tourists with possible 90 days extension.

April 13th, 2022

TPD Update

As of February 24, 2022, citizens of Ukraine and any of their direct descending or ascending blood relatives – children or parents travelling with them – or a spouse (also unmarried partners) are allowed to enter Estonia without a visa regardless of whether they have a valid travel document (biometric passport) or a Schengen visa or whether they only have a domestic passport (non-biometric passport) and even if they are citizens of a third country. The period of legal stay is 90 days. It is possible to apply for temporary protection immediately or after these 90 days have passed. In order to get further information and assistance, persons are encouraged upon arrival to appear at one of the four refugee acceptance centres that have been set up. Information about these centres is provided by the police and border guard officials at the Estonian border. As of March 9, 2022, citizens of Ukraine and their family members who have come to Estonia to escape from war may apply for temporary protection and receive a one-year residence permit that allows Ukrainian citizens to enjoy rights similar to those enjoyed by Estonian residents.

Temporary protection can be applied for by Ukrainian citizens and their family members who arrived in Estonia since February 24, 2022. Temporary protection applies also to people of another nationality who were granted international protection in Ukraine and their family members who arrived in Estonia since February 24, 2022. Ukrainian citizens and their family members will be able to prolong their temporary protection if the war situation in Ukraine continues. Temporary protection can be applied for at the service centres of the Police and Border Guard Board either in Tallinn, Tartu, Jõhvi, Rakvere and Pärnu. The addresses and working hours of the centres can be found on the following link: https://www.politsei.ee/en/services/departments. To apply, a person must book an appointment in advance at https://broneering.politsei.ee/. The decision to grant temporary protection is made at the spot within an hour, but the residence permit card is issued within ca 30 days. This does not prevent the person from accessing state provided support and services and the person may also start to work or register as unemployed. At the moment Estonia has not extended the temporary protection to those Ukrainian citizens who left Ukraine before February 24, 2022, even if they arrived in Estonia after February 24, 2022. Ukrainian citizens and their family members who resided or stayed in Estonia already before February 24, 2022 are allowed to temporarily stay on in Estonia, even if other grounds for stay (e.g. visa waiver or visa) have expired and they do not have to obtain a visa or apply for prolongation of visa. Those Ukraine citizens who are not entitled to temporary protection may apply for international protection in accordance with the usual rules (6 months’ processing time during which working is usually not allowed).

Once temporary protection has been granted, the person would be able also to work on the same terms and conditions as an Estonian resident without obtaining any additional permits. Ukrainian citizens who have resided and worked in Estonia already before February 24, 2022 on the basis of short term employment registration, but whose registration of short-time employment in Estonia has expired or is about to expire in the near future may continue working until May 31, 2022 and their employers do not have to re-register or prolong the short-term employment registration. Ukrainian citizens who do not qualify for temporary protection may also work, provided that their employer has registered short term employment (which is the quickest way in terms of processing times) or the person has obtained a residence permit for work.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use Elron trains and Public Transport trains free of charge.

March 10, 2022

The Government of Spain thus complies with the agreement reached on March 4 by the Council of Ministers of the Interior of the European Union, with which, for the first time in history, the application of the Temporary Protection Directive was agreed.

This Tuesday, March 8^th 2022, the Council of Ministers agreed to extend the scope of application of this Directive, so that not only Ukrainian nationals, but also legal residents in that country will be able to access temporary protection through the mechanism enabled by the Ministry of the Interior. as well as the Ukrainians who were in Spain in an irregular situation prior to the Russian invasion.

Temporary protection may be denied, among other reasons, if it is verified that the applicant, through the comparison of data with criminal records and international police cooperation databases, may pose a risk to national security.

April 13th, 2022

TPD Update

Ukrainian citizens can enter Finland and stay in the country visa-free for 90 days if they hold a biometric Ukrainian passport. A visa is required for holders of an older passport. A visa shall be applied from the nearest Finnish mission or the visa centre that the mission advises to the applicant. Ukrainian citizens can apply for temporary protection or/and asylum by visiting the police or a border control authority in person. According to the Commission Communication, Member States are free to authorise entry of third-country nationals who do not fulfil one or more of the conditions laid down in Article 6 of Schengen Borders Code (entry conditions for third country nationals) to their territory on humanitarian grounds, on grounds of national interest or because of international obligations.

A temporary protection has been allowed to Ukraine nationals. The residence permits based on temporary protection are valid for a maximum of one year at a time. In accordance with the decision of the Council of the European Union, residence permits may be renewed for a maximum of three years. Temporary protection can be granted to: (i) Ukrainian citizens unable to return to Ukraine due to the Russian attack; (ii) citizens of countries outside the European Union, citizens of countries not party to the Schengen Agreement, and stateless persons who have resided in Ukraine legally and whose return to the relevant country of origin safely and permanently is not possible; (iii) the family members of Ukrainian citizens and of those granted international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine if the family ties were established in Ukraine before 24 February 2022.

If a residence permit is granted based on temporary protection, a Ukrainian citizen can work and study without restriction in Finland. It is recommended by the Finnish authorities that a Ukrainian citizen applies for temporary protection in addition to possible asylum. Decisions on applications for temporary protection are made more quickly than those on asylum applications.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use Onnibus transports and VR trains free of charge. They can also benefit from a 95% discount on net fares for one-way Finnair tickets from Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Budapest, and Prague to Helsinki.

The government of Finland will continue to process residence permit applications as normal and is looking for alternative arrangements regarding the delivery of residence permit cards to Ukrainian nationals outside the country. In Finland, an initial residence permit must be applied for from outside the country. The government is looking into creating exemptions for Ukrainian nationals applying for residence permits within Finland.  

The government of Finland has temporarily suspended issuing negative decisions that would involve removal from the country to Ukraine.  

Ukrainian nationals are permitted to enter the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days.  

April 13th, 2022

TPD Update

Ukrainian citizens holding a biometric passport do not need a short-stay visa to enter the Schengen area and therefore France.

Those wanting to enter France without a biometric passport (or without a travel document) are invited to go to one of the consular offices in the States bordering Ukraine (Poland, Romania, Hungary, etc.) so that their situation can be examined (obtaining a visa or a laissez-passer). Ukrainian nationals have a legal stay of 90 days. Then, if they wish, they can obtain temporary protection. According to the Commission Communication, Member States are free to authorise entry of third-country nationals who do not fulfil one or more of the conditions laid down in Article 6 of Schengen Borders Code (entry conditions for third country nationals) to their territory on humanitarian grounds, on grounds of national interest or because of international obligations. A temporary protection has been allowed to Ukraine nationals according to the implementation of Directive 2001/55/EC. The duration of this temporary protection is fixed at one year, renewable up to a maximum of three years. The temporary protection entails Ukraine nationals to obtain a provisional residence document. The beneficiary of a temporary protection shall proceed to the prefecture of the department in which he/she resides, or in Paris to the Police prefecture, to request the issue of this temporary document.

The protection applies to: (i) Ukrainian nationals residing in Ukraine before 24.02.2022; (ii) stateless persons, and nationals of third countries other than Ukraine, who benefited from international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine before 24 February 2022; (iii) family members of the persons referred to in points (i) and (ii); (iv) stateless persons, and national of third countries other than Ukraine, who can prove that they were legally residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022.

The temporary protection also allows Ukraine nationals to obtain a provisional work permit which will facilitate their employment in France. The process of obtaining the provisional work permit will be done at the same time as the provisional residence document.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use SNCF and Thalys trains free of charge.

March 10, 2022

Entering France

Ukrainians with a biometric passport can enter the Schengen Area without a visa and do not need to apply for a visa from consular authorities.

Ukrainians without a biometric passport wishing to enter France must go to a consular post in a country bordering Ukraine to obtain assistance.

Once entered into the Schengen Area, Ukrainians can stay for 90 days.

Staying in France more than 90 days

To extend your stay beyond 90 days go to the prefecture of the Department in which you arrived. You may also ask for protection.

March 7, 2022

Employees can enter without a visa and can work remotely from the moment of their arrival in Georgia.

March 4, 2022

There are no sanctions for Russians or Belarusian nationalities, but there will be no assistance for Russian nationalities in Georgia.

Belarussians can enter the country and it is visa free regime. 6 month and no registration is needed.

Russia and Belarus Updates - March 2, 2022

Please be advised that currently, there are no restrictions imposed with regard to nationals of Russia or Belarus. In general, they do not require a visa for entry in Georgia and are entitled to stay for 1 (one) full year.  COVID regulations/restrictions should also be taken into account when entering Georgia, however they are changing on a daily basis

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use DB trains (https://www.bahn.de/info/helpukraine), ODEG trains and all regional and local public transport free of charge.

March 14, 2022

Temporary Protection Directive

On March 4, 2022 the EU countries agreed to implement Article 5 of Directive 2001/55/EC – establishing the existence of a mass influx of displaced persons from Ukraine and introduced temporary protection measures.  This applies for: 

- Ukrainian nationals who had their residence in Ukraine before February 24, 2022.

- Stateless persons and nationals of third countries other than Ukraine who enjoyed international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine before February 24, 2022

- Family members of the first two groups of persons mentioned above (i.e. spouses, unmarried partners, minor unmarried children and close relatives under further conditions), even if they are not Ukrainian citizens.

Following is information regarding the current status of residence / work permits for Ukrainian citizens coming to Germany:

It is possible for Ukrainian nationals to enter Germany without a VISA and apply for a residence permit. 

The Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland Affairs has issued a legal ordinance temporarily exempting persons displaced from Ukraine from the requirement of a residence title in the Federal territory.  It entered into force on March 9, 2022, and is applicable retroactively to February 24, 2022. The purpose of the regulation is to facilitate the entry and residence of the persons concerned and to give the displaced persons the opportunity and the necessary time to obtain a residence title in the federal territory and thus to protect them from growing into an unauthorized resident.  The provision is initially limited until May 23, 2022. Within this period, an application must be submitted to the foreign office authority for the issuance of a residence title pursuant to Section 24 of the Residence Act.

Ukrainian nationals who entered Germany without a visa for a short stay can also obtain a residence permit for a further stay. Those displaced from Ukraine can apply for a residence title at the foreign office at the place of residence to stay without having been granted a visa outside Germany beforehand. Therefore, in order to avoid an unauthorized stay, an application for a residence permit can be made in writing to the foreign office responsible for the place of residence of stay.

Entitlement to work:  This residence title automatically entitles the holder to take up self-employment or employment. The foreigner’s authority must permit gainful employment when the title is issued. When issuing the residence permit, even if there is no concrete employment relationship in prospect, it will enter in the residence title that gainful employment is permitted. This means that no further work permit from another authority is required.

NOTE:  For the above reasons, it is not necessary to file an asylum application to secure a right of residence or to claim social benefits in Germany.

March 10, 2022

The Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community has provided the following information to Germany’s federal states:

• Due to the current situation in Ukraine, Ukrainian nationals who are currently in Germany for a short stay are not required to go through the visa procedure in order to receive a temporary residence permit if they did not enter on such a visa.
• Ukrainian nationals who have entered Germany for a short stay without a visa can apply for a temporary residence permit for an additional 90 days once the 90 days of the short stay have elapsed.

To apply for a temporary residence permit, please contact the responsible foreigners authority in your place of residence.

Paid employment must be approved by the responsible foreigners authority. The Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community has urged the federal states when issuing temporary residence permits to note on them that employment is permitted, even if the permit holder does not yet have a concrete offer of employment. 

In accordance with the Social Code, Book III, holders of residence permits for temporary protection in Germany are eligible for advice from the local government employment agencies and help in finding a job.

March 1, 2022

Certain immigration offices may be accepting long term permit applications for Ukrainian nationals without a valid long-term visa.

Visa-exempt Ukrainian nationals on short stays of up to 90 days (visa free) in Berlin have automatic extensions of their status until May 31, 2022.

Ukrainian nationals in Germany outside of Berlin under short-term stays of up to 90 days (visa free) may apply for an exceptional extension of their stay in Germany.

Russia and Belarus Update - March 2, 2022

No restrictions from German diplomatic missions of Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany. Only the political already discussed waiver of the linked visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Russia concerning Schengen visas for diplomats and businesspersons could potentially impact visa processing.

March 10, 2022

You may enter Greece by following the procedures below:

1. Holders of a Ukrainian biometric passport may enter through all entry points (land and air) with a maximum stay of 90 days.
2. Holders of a Ukrainian passport without biometric features (old type) may enter from all entry points; a transit visa is required with a maximum stay of 90 days.

Attention: for the above cases, the National Police will stamp your passport with the date of entry

3. Ukrainian citizens who do not have travel documents may enter only from the Passport Control Department in Promahon(tel. 0030-23230 41079) where you will be issued a document by the staff of the Ukrainian Embassy in Greece. This procedure allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days.
4. In case your children do not have travel documents, National Police officials will note under the entry stamp on your own passport the number of minor children you are accompanying.

Attention: in this case, you will have to show a certificate of marital status or a birth certificate of your children. If you do not have either of these documents, you must complete and submit a solemn declaration stating the number of children, their first name, surname, gender and date of birth.

Within the 90-day period, you will be granted a one (1)-year temporary protection by the Asylum Service of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum; this gives you the right of access to the labor market and to medical care, in accordance with Directive 2001/55 of the Council of the European Union. Regarding the procedure for granting temporary protection, please contact by phone 0030-2131629600 or via email: ukraine@migration.gov.gr

March 4, 2022

The Golden Visa programme has been suspended by the Greek Government for Russian citizens.

Russia and Belarus Updates - March 2, 2022

Golden visa applications for issuance and renewal are suspended.

New applications (golden visa) are not accepted.

Work and residence permits application regarding business executives will not be accepted.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use all MAV trains with a free "solidarity ticket".

Wizz Air supports Ukrainian refugees by offering them 100,000 free seats on all continental Europe flights departing from Ukraine’s border countries.

March 10, 2022

Ukrainian citizens arriving from Ukraine with a passport (i.e. those who do not have Hungarian citizenship) may decide to stay in Hungary for 90 days without any specific permit. In case you would like to stay in Hungary for a longer period, or you would like to work or study here, you have to submit an application to the Directorate-General.

Ukrainian citizens might also be entitled to receive temporary protection. Hungary can provide temporary protection (i.e. recognise as a beneficiary of temporary protection) to anyone being forced to flee Ukraine due to the armed conflict. Beneficiaries of temporary protection are entitled to a legal stay until the war is over. 

Beneficiaries of temporary protection are not entitled to travel within the territory of the European Union or to legal stay in any other Member States.

Application for temporary protection can be submitted in persona in any of the designed hotspots 24 hours a day, or in any client service offices of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing during reception hours.

Where can the hotspots be found?

Third-country nationals with legal residence in Ukraine (those who study, work, etc. there with a permit) but are not entitled to legally stay in Hungary, can chose from two options.

In case your return to your home country is arranged, you must indicate it to the authority (the Police or the Directorate-General), then the Directorate-General provides you with a document entitling you to a legal stay in Hungary until the date of your departure. We suggest this option to those who can presumably leave Hungary within 1 or 2 weeks.

To those who wish to leave Hungary, the IOM (International Organization for Migration) can provide help. In case a bigger group (i.e. more than 20 persons) wishes to return home with a charter flight, they should contact the Coercive Measures and Returns Unit of the Aliens Policing Directorate of the Directorate-General ( kko@oif.gov.hu) for further information.

In case someone is unable to leave Hungary, they also have the opportunity to apply for temporary protection.

March 4, 2022

Employment for up to 90 days within any 180-day period (in a shortage trade, any occupation listed in the Minister’s announcement)

Based on the Govt.Dec. § 15. no permit is required for the employment of a third country national in Hungary in a shortage occupation, including employment via PEO, in case the person is citizen of a neighboring third country and resident in the same.

Ukrainian nationals employed for up to 90 days without a work permit need no residence permit.

No permit waved employment can extend the limit of 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.

Entitlement to Health Care Services:

In possession of a work contract, it is allowed to apply for an SS ID for a stay of up to 90 days, thus getting the entitlement for health care services.

Verification of education: OIF do not require verification of education

Earliest possible start of employment: in possession of an SS ID and Taxation ID

List of shortage trades:

https://net.jogtar.hu/jogszabaly?docid=A16K0302.NGM&timeshift=fffffff4&txtreferer=00000001.TXT

Employment in NON-shortage trades

Employment of Ukrainian citizens to whom the permit waved employment for 90 days is not applicable require a work permit.

No short-term work permit can extend the limit of 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.

Entitlement to Health Care Services:

In possession of a work contract, it is allowed to apply for an SS ID for a stay of up to 90 days, thus getting the entitlement for health care services.

Verification of education: the work permit application requires the attested translation by the Hungarian Office of Translation and Attestation (OFFI) of any relevant educational certificate.

Earliest possible start of employment: in possession of an SS ID and Taxation ID

Employment on a Residence Permit for Employment Purposes for longer than 90 days within a 180-day period (Employment in a shortage occupation, in any trade determined in the Minister’s announcement)

Based on the Govt.Dec. § 15. no permit is required for the employment up to 90 days of a third country national in Hungary in a shortage occupation as listed in the Minister’s announcement, including employment via PEO (Professional Employer Organization), in case the person is citizen of a neighboring third country and resident in the same.

Work permit waved Ukrainian citizens employed for longer than 90 days required a residence permit. The residence permit will be adjudicated within 8 to 21 days by the OIF.

Entitlement to Health Care Services: In possession of an approval decision for the residence permit, it is allowed to apply for an SS ID, thus getting the entitlement for health care services.

List of shortage trades:

https://net.jogtar.hu/jogszabaly?docid=A16K0302.NGM&timeshift=fffffff4&txtreferer=00000001.TXT

Verification of education: in case of any employment requiring qualifications, the work permit application requires the attested translation by the Hungarian Office of Translation and Attestation (OFFI) of any relevant educational certificate.

Earliest possible start of employment: having the notification on the approval of the residence permit, and in possession of an SS ID and a Taxation ID

Employment in NON-shortage trades

Ukrainian citizens employed as NON work permit waved employees, i.e. in non-shortage trades, require a work and residence permit if they are on Hungarian payroll. Such permit will be adjudicated within 45 to 80 days by the OIF.

Entitlement to Health Care Services: In possession of an approval decision for the residence permit, it is allowed to apply for an SS ID, thus getting the entitlement for health care services.

Verification of education: in case of any employment requiring qualifications, the work permit application requires the attested translation by the Hungarian Office of Translation and Attestation (OFFI) of any relevant educational certificate.

Earliest possible start of employment: having the notification on the approval of the residence permit, and in possession of an SS ID and a Taxation ID

Employment on a White Card

In case a Ukrainian citizen is staying in Hungary for longer than 90 days within a 180-day period but is not put on the Hungarian payroll, as he continues to work for a Ukrainian (or any other non-Hungarian) employer, he may be entitled to get a White Card.

The White Card is a residence permit whose holder is employed outside Hungary and is doing his job from Hungary using sophisticated digital technology or, holds a stake in a profitable undertaking and is doing his job or the management of his undertaking from Hungary, using sophisticated digital technology.

OIF will adjudicate such application within 30 days.

The validity of a White Card is a maximum of one year and can be extended one time for another year.

No residence permit can be issued for the dependent of a third country citizen possessing a White Card based on such family relation.

Verification of livelihood in Hungary in a procedure for the issuance or extension of a White Card will be accepted if the legal monthly income of the third country citizen during six months prior to entrance attained or exceeded EUR 2000 which amount must be at his disposal all through his stay in Hungary.

In this case the employee will have no insured health care services available in Hungary.

Employment as international assignment

In case Ukrainian citizens stay in Hungary for longer than 90 days within a 180-day period, but they are not payroll transferred to Hungary, as they continue to work for their Ukrainian (or any non-EU) employer but are relocated to a Hungarian venture within a corporate group, they may be entitled to get an IntraCorporate Transferee permit.

Due to the complex regulations regarding such permit a case-by-case assessment is always needed. In this case no insured health care services will be available for the employee in Hungary.

Hungary has enacted a decree on 24 February that allows almost everyone coming from Ukraine to enter Hungary. According to the decree, the Hungarian government guarantees temporary protection for those who leave Ukraine because of the armed conflict. This temporary protection applies to all Ukrainian citizens and to third-country nationals legally residing in Ukraine (e.g. with a Ukrainian residence permit or visa). The government's decree granting temporary protection for people from Ukraine, at this stage, remains in force until 1 June. However, this could easily change in the coming weeks.

After entering Hungary, people from Ukraine should apply for temporary protection. The procedure is to be completed by the authority in 45 days. Applicants for protection have to show that they are Ukrainian citizens or non-Ukrainian citizens legally staying in Ukraine. The easiest way to do this is to show travel documents.

Currently, people coming from Ukraine can be accommodated in a reception centre (refugee camp), where they are provided with food and medical care.

At the end of the procedure, when the temporary protection status is formally granted, people are entitled in particular to housing in a reception centre, health care, education for children and a monthly cash allowance for the whole duration of their protection (in case they are not living in the reception centre).

In order to be able to work, people with a temporary protection status must apply for a special work permit.

Those Ukrainian citizens who are willing to stay and work in Hungary in the long term, should apply for a residence permit. The type of residence permit depends on the activity the third country national would like to pursue in Hungary (e.g. residence permit for the purpose of employment, or residence permit to pursue gainful activity).

https://hungarytoday.hu/hungary-allows-everyone-coming-from-ukraine-to-enter-the-country/

https://helsinki.hu/en/information-for-people-fleeing-from-ukraine/

http://www.bmbah.hu/index.php?lang=hu

March 4, 2022

• Priority for outstanding visa applications from Ukrainian nationals.
• Close family members can apply on behalf of their family members in Ukraine
• Automatic visa extensions for 6 months will be given to Ukrainian nationals in Australia who have a visa expiring before 30 June 2022.

March 3, 2022

The issuing of new visas is now temporarily suspended for Russian citizens

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use free of charge: Irish rail trains, Bus Éireann transportation and Expressway transportation.

March 9, 2022

Effective from March the 9^th 2022, the Irish Government is hoping to issue Temporary Residence Certificates to anyone arriving from the Ukraine. This includes Ukrainian citizens, their family members and any third party nationals who were legally living in Ukraine. This certificate will allow them one year of residency with full access to the labour market as if they were an EU citizen. The plan is to have them officially register their residency at a later date, and that residency is currently planned to be extendable for up to three years.

Ukrainian nationals impacted can be hired immediately as if they were EU citizens, so have no current immigration requirements.

March 1, 2022

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has said that 143 Ukrainians have entered Ireland since a visa requirement was waived last Thursday. However, many of those were already resident in Ireland and "have travelled back to the State for reasons other than escaping the conflict in Ukraine".

Ms McEntee said that the EU is "likely" to "activate the Temporary Protection Directive”, a previously unused measure to coordinate a mass influx of refugees, on Thursday March 4th. This would simplify the arrivals process and the Department of Justice has started working on the directive, which would provide an alternative to seeking international protection. It would provide a year's "temporary residency", which could later be extended to three years. It would provide "an immediate right to access the labour market, housing, social welfare, healthcare, education, training and other supports".

The Government's International Protection Accommodation Service will be responsible for finding accommodation for Ukrainian refugees coming to Ireland. Some will be initially housed in hotel accommodation.

February 28, 2022

Visa restrictions on Ukrainian nationals have been lifted.

Ukrainian nationals will not need to obtain a visa prior to travel to Ireland and will be permitted to stay for up to 90 days to obtain legal immigration status through work authorization or other residence rights. Plus priority processing for employment permits.

Russia/Belarus Update - March 2, 2022

No restrictions yet for Visa processing for Russians and the Irish Embassy in Moscow is still operating as usual

Ukrainian nationals can travel to Israel and seek entry without a need for a pre entry visa for up to 90 days.

Entry for visit will be allowed subject to border control discretion - same as for any other visa waiver nationals (US, EU, UK etc.).

Once in Israel, they will be able to start looking at changing status to long term (including citizenship for those eligible under the law of return) or asylum.

April 5, 2022

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use Flixbus transportation and Marino Bus transportation free of charge. They can also travel free of charge with Trenitalia group transport within a maximum of 5 days from entering Italy.

March 10, 2022

The Ordinance signed by the Head of the Department, Fabrizio Curcio, on 4 March, is available, which defines the provisions for the management in Italy of the reception, rescue and assistance to the population arriving from Ukraine as a consequence of the crisis.

In particular, the Regions and the Autonomous Provinces organize:

• logistics for the transport of people, including by special means
• housing and welfare arrangements for people arriving in Italy from Ukraine or passing through Italy with another destination in addition to what has already been identified by the prefectures-territorial government offices
• health care
• the assistance of people who arrive from Ukraine at the Italian border.

The ordinance also provides that people from Ukraine can work, independently or in a subordinate form, following the request for a residence permit to the Police Headquarters.

March 4, 2022

Can stay without visa up to 90 days during 180 days period in a year.

If staying period is less than 30 days, registration is not mandatory.

If staying period is more than 30 days then the temporary residence registration at migration police department is required.

Registration procedure could take 3-5 days.

Remote work is not in legislation yet.

Russia and Belarus Updates

March 9, 2022

According to the EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) agreement the Russian and Belorussian nationals can stay in the territory of Kazakhstan until 90 calendar days without TRP (temporary residence permit). After 90 days they are required to apply for TRP based on a local labor agreement with a local company. A work permit and a work visa are not required for Russian and Belorussian nationals, they can work under the labor agreement.  

The inviting company of the recipients must inform the Ministry of internal Affairs of the immigrants staying with them within three working days from the date of their arrival.  

March 8, 2022

Russian and Belorussian nationals do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan. They are allowed to stay in country up to 90 days. 

April 13th, 2022

TPD Update

Ukrainian citizens regardless of their nationality, who are holders of biometrical passports, do not need any separate permission or visa to cross the Latvian border. Latvian Border Guard officials may check their documents and inquire about the purpose, destination and itinerary of travelers. Holders of biometrical passports may reside in Latvia for 90 days in 180 days period. Ukrainian citizens regardless of their nationality, who don’t have biometrical passports, may cross Latvian border and will be issued an short-term entry visa. They may reside in Latvia for the validity term of the visa. Ukrainian citizens regardless of their nationality who have no valid travel documents still may cross Latvian border. In this case the identification of the person will be carried out in cooperation with the competent authorities of Ukraine and a third country citizen identification card will be issued with the validity term of one year. The emergency guardianship is established for children who have arrived to Latvia from Ukraine without their parents.

Temporary protection in form of one-year humanitarian visa can be issued to Ukrainian citizens, as well as persons, having a permanent residence permit in Ukraine and their family members, regardless of their nationality. This one year visa allows Ukrainians to enjoy rights similar to those enjoyed by Latvian residents. For example, access to social and medical services and the right to work and study. It also entails the right to move freely within the European Union. Temporary protection can be applied for Ukrainians who have arrived in Latvia when escaping the war and those, who have stayed in Latvia before the war and can’t return to Ukraine because of the war. Ukrainians will be able to prolong their temporary protection if the war situation in Ukraine continues. Temporary protection can be applied for at the branches Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Republic of Latvia (outside Riga) or in the refugee support centre (in Riga). The person will have to fill in an application form for all family members and bring along identification or other documents (e.g. birth certificate). Ukrainians who will not have all the necessary documents may still apply for temporary protection, however, they may be obliged to submit the relevant documents within one year.

The temporary protection also grants Ukrainians the rights to employment without limitations.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use Latvijas dzelzceļš trains free of charge.

March 3, 2022

The issuing of new visas is now temporarily suspended for Russian citizens

April 13th, 2022

TPD Update

Ukrainian citizens do not need a visa to enter Lithuania - they are subject to a 90 days a visa free regime within 180 days period. Only a biometric passport is required for entry, but those who do not have biometric passports will also be allowed to enter Lithuania. After arrival in Lithuania, Ukrainian nationals should register at the assigned registration centre (if they do not have a place to stay in Lithuania) or at any one of the listed migration offices in Lithuania (if they already have a place to stay in Lithuania). Those Ukrainian citizens, their family members, as well as individuals without citizenship who were residing in Ukraine and cannot come back to Ukraine due to the war, also need to register. Ukrainian nationals and their family members, as well as individuals without citizenship who were residing in Ukraine and had to leave due to the war, even if they do not have a valid passport with them, can be issued a Lithuanian foreigner‘s registration certificate while their legal status in Lithuania is being resolved. Lithuanian Government and NGOs are supporting Ukrainian nationals by providing accommodation, food and medical care when needed.

A temporary protection has been allowed to Ukraine nationals according to the implementation of Directive 2001/55/EC, and on 16 March 2022 adopted Resolution No. 224 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania “On Granting Temporary Protection to Foreigners in the Republic of Lithuania”. The duration of this temporary protection is fixed at one year, i.e., until 4 March 2023. Persons who have been granted temporary protection in the Republic of Lithuania have the right to live free of charge in accommodation offered by state and municipal institutions, establishments, or other organizations. Persons who have been granted temporary protection are as follows: 1. On 24 February 2022 or later left (were relocated) from Ukraine due to Russian military aggression, which are: 1.1. Ukrainian nationals residing in Ukraine before 24.02.2022; 1.2. Stateless persons, and nationals of third countries other than Ukraine, who benefited from international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine before 24 February 2022; 1.3. Family members of the persons referred to in points 1.1. and 1.2.; 1.4. Stateless persons, and nationals of third countries other than Ukraine, who were legally permanently residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022, and were issued valid permanent residence permits in Ukraine, and who cannot be safely and for long term be returned to their country of origin or another country who accepts them; 2. Not earlier than 24 January 2022 temporarily left Ukraine and legally stayed in the territory of the European Union or another third country, when they meet the conditions specified in points 1.1.- 1.4 above and entered the Republic of Lithuania until 1 May 2022. After registration, Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection or those who cannot come to Ukraine, may apply for: - A temporary residence permit under humanitarian grounds or under granted temporary protection, which will be valid for one year.

A national (D) visa under force majeure grounds (also valid for one year, and available to those who have biometric passports. Ukrainians may also choose to formally apply for asylum, but this is a much longer process and may involve additional legal issues (e.g. first safe country of entry and similar). From the requirement to declare the place of residence are exempted those Ukrainians who have a temporary residence permit under humanitarian grounds or on granted temporary protection.

Ukrainians arriving in Lithuania will be able to work here practically immediately. Upon registration after arrival, Ukrainians (who were granted temporary protection or who cannot come back to Ukraine) will be able to start working in Lithuania without any work permit requirements if they: - Are still under the visa-free regime or have a valid Schengen visa (e.g. have not spent more than 90 days within the past 180-day period in the Schengen area); - Have a national (D) visa issued under force majeure grounds; - Have applied for a temporary residence permit under humanitarian grounds or due to granted temporary protection. In addition, Ukrainians can apply for a work-related residence permit or an EU Blue Card (a special residence permit for high qualification work, valid for up to three years) without having to pass a local labour market test. This means that the employer will not have to advertise the vacant job position and obtain a decision of the Employment Service confirming that there are no suitable local candidates. Individuals who choose to apply for asylum in Lithuania will have the right to work immediately upon registering their application. Ukrainians are allowed to be self-employed. Also, they may work under a temporary employment contract as defined in the Labour Code of the Republic of Lithuania.

Employers hiring Ukrainian employees should make sure that their salary is not lower than the average salary of local employees performing the same job at the same company. If there are no employees performing the same job at the company, the salary must be no less than the average salary in that economic sector (according to the data of the Statistics Department for the latest quarter). When hiring Ukrainian citizens, employers should: - Check whether the potential employee has one of the documents confirming exemption from the obligation to obtain a work permit (e.g. a still valid visa-free regime, a Lithuanian national (D) visa issued on the grounds of force majeure, a temporary residence permit issued on humanitarian grounds or on granted temporary protection, a document confirming application for asylum/refugee status etc.); - Sign an employment contract in Lithuanian and another language the employee understands (e.g. English, Russian, Ukrainian, or other); Submit the LDU notification via the SODRA information system EDAS regarding the employment of a foreign citizen. This notification must be submitted no later than one working day before the start of work.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use LTG trains and Vilnius buses free of charge.

March 3, 2022

The issuing of new visas is now temporarily suspended for Russian citizens

April 13, 2022

TPD Update

All displaced persons arriving in Luxembourg from Ukraine are asked to contact the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs by communicating their contact details to  immigration.desk@mae.etat.lu .

According to the press release from the Ministry of Family, Integration and the Greater Region / Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs:

The persons concerned will receive a form to complete in order to help the Luxembourg authorities to contact them with a view to submitting an application for temporary protection , or, if necessary, another way of regularizing their stay in Grand- Duchy.
Temporary protection status is available to Ukrainian nationals who have arrived in Luxembourg in recent days and to newcomers . The persons concerned will be informed in good time, as soon as the procedure is set up in Luxembourg.

In the meantime, Ukrainian nationals do not need to take any particular steps to stay in Luxembourg at this stage. This also applies to persons holding a residence permit which expires soon or whose authorized short stay (in principle limited to 90 days) is coming to an end, who are also requested to report to the Immigration Department. The persons concerned should therefore not worry about their administrative situation at this time.

The government has set up a first reception center to accommodate people fleeing the war in Ukraine. This emergency reception centre, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, is located at the SHUK ( Emergency accommodation structure in Kirchberg ), 11 rue Carlo Hemmer in Luxembourg City . This center offers shelter for the first days and meals as well as basic necessities, for people wishing to apply for protection in Luxembourg, but also for people wishing to go to another European country. For health reasons, no pets are allowed in this first reception centre.

To respond to the arrival of Ukrainian refugees (4,000 as of March 19), the National Reception Office is massively hiring social workers, adult trainers, accommodation administrators, legal experts and other similar professionals.

Hiring is done for the duration, with contracts of indefinite duration. All persons with the required qualifications are eligible, whatever their nationality. People who speak Ukrainian and/or Russian are particularly sought after: the hope is that by offering employment as soon as possible, the rapid integration of new Ukrainian refugees will be facilitated .

March 28th, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use all all public transport free of charge.

Russia and Belarus Updates

March 3, 2022

Investor visas (known as ‘golden visas’) for Russian nationals are now temporarily suspended

March 4, 2022

• Ukrainian nationals may enter Hungary to seek temporary protection even if they do not have a biometric passport. They can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use NS trains free of charge.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use free of charge:

PKP trains

Ukrainian Citizens now can move to Poland as Poland opened borders for Ukrainians visa-free.

Once in Poland, you are inside the Schengen area and, therefore, for a period of 90 days you can travel to any country in the following list: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Eligible foreign nationals can enter Poland for a period of 90 days visa-free before they will be required to apply for a residence permit. The Blue Card or Single Permit are residence permit types for highly qualified foreign nationals. While applying for a Blue Card or Single Permit processes, a foreign national can remain in Poland, even if the initial 90-day, visa-free limit has been reached.   

Eligible Ukrainian nationals can apply for Special Permissions and gain work authorization for up to two years in Poland. After the initial application is submitted, a Ukrainian national can enter and work in Poland for up to 90 days if they hold a biometric passport. After the initial 90-day period, a Ukrainian national will need to obtain a residence permit and further work authorization to continue to work in Poland. Residence permits are issued for up to three years. 

Processing times vary by work authorization type, but generally it takes around nine to ten months for the entire work permit application process to be completed. 

Reception Point Addresses

Reception point addresses can be found on the below website in Ukrainian, Polish, and English:

UKR: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc/ukraina---ua

ENG: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc/ukraina-en

PL: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc/ukraina2

Regardless of the above, you will be permitted to legally stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of special provisions regarding the COVID-19 epidemic.

Russia and Belarus Updates - March 2, 2022

There is a simplified work permit process in Poland for nationals of Eastern Europe countries (including Russia and Belarus) in case the company switches the employees/contractors to Polish payroll – the work permit process together with the visa application usually takes approx. 2 months. Due to an increased number of Russian nationals relocating to Poland, the processing time will be extended.

There is also a special scheme for IT specialists (Poland Business Harbour) from Russia and Belarus - https://www.gov.pl/web/poland-businessharbour-en

Polish consulate will limit the number of visas issued to Russian nationals.

March 29 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use CP – Trains of Portugal free of charge.

March 9, 2022

Portugal's Council of Ministers approved a new resolution simplifying protection requirements for Ukrainians fleeing the ongoing war. This temporary protection measure will have an initial duration of one year, extendable for two periods of six months, provided that the conditions preventing people from returning to Ukraine persist.

Under this measure Ukrainian citizens will be able to secure legal status in Portugal, guaranteeing them immediate access to a taxpayer identification number (NIF), social security identification number (NISS) and National Health Service number.

Further, the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities met with the High Commission for Migration to assess the means - particularly in terms of housing - available across the country for the reception of Ukrainian families, and several public hospitals released a list of the number of beds available to Ukrainians in need of health care in specific areas (such as palliative care, neonatal care, cancer medication). The Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) also mobilised a task force to coordinate skills matching between new Ukrainians arrivals on the one hand, and the needs of businesses in Portugal on the other.

March 4, 2022

The Golden Visa programme has been suspended by the Portuguese Government for Russian citizens.

March 3, 2022

The Portuguese Government approved, on 2^nd March 2022, a simplified procedure to support and speed up the reception of Ukrainian refugees in Portugal.

The special regime grants temporary protection, with the automatic attribution of a residence permit, for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension.

It is destined to nationals of Ukraine and their relatives (regardless the nationality), coming from their country of origin, and unable to return there, as a result of the current war.

Any evidence is allowed and a criminal record certificate is not required for the procedure, which can be requested in person or by digital means, inside or outside the Portuguese territory.

The declaration proving the request for temporary protection will then be communicated by the Immigration Services to the Social Security, Tax and the Health Departments for the purposes of automatic allocation of a social security identification number, a tax identification number and a health national user number. This services will also communicate with the Employment and Training Institute for purposes of registration, being already available 2.000 job positions for this purpose.

When the applicants have no sufficient resources, they will be provided with accommodation and support in terms of social benefits and means of subsistence and access to social benefits under the non-contributory regime.

If you are entering Portugal from a country from the Schengen area, you do not require any documents as long as you remain in the Schengen area for less than 90 days.

To extend your stay beyond this time, you can:

1. Apply for Asylum status;
2. Apply for Residence.

Application for Residence

Please register at this portal: https://sapa.sef.pt/an/default

After the registration, you can fill in a form and apply for an appointment in SEF (this is a service for foreigners).

You will have to attach there all the documents you have - passports, birth certificates, work contracts, etc.

You can also call SEF’s hotline and they will answer your questions, they also have Russian speakers there. The hotline numbers:

(+351) 808 202 653

(+351) 808 962 690

A lot of your questions about your legalisation can be answered at this website:

https://eportugal.gov.pt/en/servicos/agendar-atendimento-no-servico-de-estrangeiros-e-fronteiras-sef-#:~:text=By%20phone%2C%20through%20the%20Contact,of%20Stay%20%E2%80%93%20for%20visa%20holders

Russia/Belarus Updates - March 2, 2022

In Portugal the golden visas for Russian investors have been suspended until further notice.

March 29, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use CFR trains free of charge with a “Help Ukraine Ticket”, and STB shuttle bus.

They can also use Romfour shuttle bus from station to station free of charge. Romfour organises bus transport to Italy and other European cities.

Wizz Air offers Ukrainian refugees 100,000 free seats on all continental Europe flights departing from Ukraine’s border countries.

They can also benefit from free Flixbus transportation from Romanian border cities to elsewhere in Europe.

March 10, 2022

1. If you are a Ukrainian citizen and come to Romania, you will be admitted and protected by the Romanian state.
2. Upon entry into the country, you will be exempted from quarantine, regardless of whether you come from Ukraine or through the Republic of Moldova.
3. You can apply for asylum from the competent authorities, so that it turns out that you want the protection of the Romanian state.
4. If you need help, during your stay in Romania you can receive accommodation, food and free medical services.
5. If you choose to stay in Romania, you have the right to work under certain conditions.

Further details can be obtained at the telephone numbers:
(+4) 021.9590 - Romanian Border Police
(+4) 021.410.75.13 - General Inspectorate for Immigration
112 - Emergency Service
119 - Number of emergencies related to children(including for children without families)

Documents required for Ukrainian citizens to enter Romania:

• The biometric passport allows entry into Romania, without a visa, for a period of 90 days, in an interval of 180 days prior to each day of stay.
• National passport accompanied by a visa with two or more entries/ valid residence permits issued by other EU Member States, EEA States or the Swiss Confederation, for the purpose of transit or for a period of 90 days, within a period of 180 days prior to each day of stay
• The national passport accompanied by the entry visa/ small border traffic permit/ residence permit issued by the valid Romanian authorities, respecting the validity and the right of residence established by the respective documents.
•  If citizens apply for asylum in Romania, entry into the country can be done on the basis of another type of identity document (national identity document, birth certificate etc.) OR on the basis of the declared identity, without an identity document, from humanitarian reasons.
• Ukrainian citizens are exempted from quarantine regardless of whether they arrive directly from Ukraine or transit through the Republic of Moldova.
• If the security situation does not allow re-entry into the territory of Ukraine until the expiration of the period for which entry and stay on the territory of Romania was allowed, Ukrainian citizens have the obligation to present themselves at the nearest territorial structure for immigration.

The citizens of Ukraine can obtain a job on the Romanian territory, under the following conditions:

• In case they are holders of a long-stay visa granted for work purposes and have entered the territory of Romania on the basis of this visa, they can be employed on the basis of an individual employment contract concluded for a determined period, for a period of 9 months from a calendar year, without the need for a notice of employment,
• After these 9 months, Ukrainian citizens wishing to remain in Romania can benefit from the extension of the right to temporary residence for work, provided they obtain a work permit and if they present the full-time individual employment contract, registered in the general register of employees, which shows that the salary is at least at the level of the minimum wage basic salary per country guaranteed in payment.
• Foreigners requesting a form of international protection have the right to work under the same conditions as Romanian citizens, after 3 months from the submission of the application, for the entire duration of the asylum procedure.
• Beneficiaries of a form of international protection have the following rights:

• to be employed by natural or legal persons, under the same conditions as Romanian citizens;
• to benefit from social insurance, social assistance measures and social health insurance, under the conditions provided by law for Romanian citizens;
• to benefit from equal treatment with Romanian citizens in terms of equivalence of studies or periods of study, recognition of diplomas and certificates of competence, as well as professional qualifications that give access to regulated professions in Romania.

March 3rd, 2022

Ukrainians are exempted from the Romanian visa requirement.

Ukraine's president signed a special law (martial law) mentioning that no males between age of 18 to 60 are allowed to exit the country as they need to be enrolled in the army. Therefore, the category of people coming is mostly women and children and people after 60.

1. At the border with Romania, what kind of identity card do I need to be able to enter?
   You can come to the Border Crossing Point with any type of identity document (passport, national identity document, birth certificate, etc.). Holders of a biometric passport can enter and stay for 90 days in any 180 days. Holders of a regular passports are beneficiaries of a tourist visa for maximum 90 days in any 180 days.
2. If I do not have an identity card that allows me to enter as a simple migrant, what can I do?
   Given the situation in Ukraine, the provisions of the Schengen Borders Code for humanitarian situations (art. 5) may be applicable, and thus it may be possible to cross the border on the declared identity option, with subsequent verification and request further protection of the Romanian state/asylum. However, you will not be allowed to leave Romania for going to other EU countries but remaining here under protection of Romanian state.
3. If I have a minor child, what kind of documents do I need to get in with him? What if I don't have them?
   It would be advisable to have a minor ID card/birth certificate.
4. To whom do I apply for asylum at the border and in what form (verbal / written)? What should happen after I make this verbal request?
   The competent authorities to receive an asylum application are:
   The structures of the General Inspectorate for Immigration;
   2. The structures of the Romanian Border Police;
   3. The police units within which detention and pre-trial detention centers are set up and operate;
   4. The structures of the National Administration of Penitentiaries within the Ministry of Justice.
   The asylum application can be submitted by any foreigner located on the Romanian territory or at a border crossing point. Not outside Romania.
   A person is considered an asylum seeker from the moment of manifestation of will, expressed in writing or orally, before the competent authorities, from which it should result that he / she requests the protection of the Romanian state.
   The asylum seeker will be given an asylum application form which can be completed by the asylum seeker with the support of the official or by the official designated to receive the application, if the asylum seeker cannot write, according to his or her oral statements. .
   The standard form can be completed in the applicant's mother tongue, it is not necessary to use only the Romanian language.
5. What do I do if my police officer denies me the right to enter after I have applied for asylum?
   No one shall be denied access to the asylum procedure, even if he has not fulfilled all the conditions for entry. However, in case the asylum application is denied by the authorities, you should contact +40 730 073 170.
6. Should I be offered a temporary accommodation near the border? Am I forced to stay there?
   If you apply for asylum in Romania, you have the right to be accommodated in one of the Regional Procedures and Accommodation Centers for Asylum Seekers. If, however, you have a secured accommodation elsewhere, you must make a request to IGI to leave the area where you entered Romania. The response will be grant as soon as possible but also based on the volume of requests from that certain moment.
   IGI Regional Procedures and Accommodation Centers exist in: Bucharest, Timisoara, Giurgiu, Maramures, Radauti and Galati.

Russia and Belarus Updates

March 3, 2022

Russians and Belarusians must be in possession of visas when traveling to Romania.

Some foreign national employees who relocate from Ukraine to Serbia may be eligible to obtain a temporary residence White Card. The White Card will be issued after a foreign national has registered their stay with the Ministry of Interior and the local police within 24 hours of arrival.  

Once the White Card is issued, the foreign national will be required to wait until the Residence Permit is issued. After obtaining the Residence Permit, the foreign national will need to apply for a work permit to continue to work and live in Serbia.  

Generally, it takes around 24 hours to obtain the White Card, around 40 days to be granted a Residence Permit, and about one to two months to obtain a work permit.  

March 2, 2022

Work passes for Ukrainian nationality has not come up with rejections as long as the basic eligibility criteria were met.

March 29, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use ZSSK trains free of charge.

Wizz Air offers Ukrainian refugees 100,000 free seats on all continental Europe flights departing from Ukraine’s border countries.

March 16, 2022

Slovakia Extends Provision Of Temporary Shelter To Other Groups Of Persons From Ukraine

From 17 March 2022, a wider circle of people will be able to request a temporary refuge in Slovakia in connection with the war in Ukraine. The declaration of temporary refuge is in line with the EU Council Implementing Decision of 4 March 2022.

The provision of temporary refuge will apply to the following groups of persons:

Citizens of Ukraine and their family members, if the family was present and resident in Ukraine before 24 February 2022.

The following is considered a family member of a Ukrainian citizen:

• husband of a Ukrainian citizen
• a minor child of a Ukrainian citizen or a minor child of the spouse of a Ukrainian citizen
• the parent of a minor child who is a citizen of Ukraine
• another close relative of a Ukrainian citizen who lived in the same household with him/her at the time of the circumstances related to the mass influx of displaced persons and was fully or partially dependent on him/her.

Foreigners who are not nationals of Ukraine and having international protection or equivalent national protection granted in the territory of UKRAINE granted before 24 February 2022 and THEIR FAMILY were present on 24 February 2022.

The following is considered a family member:

• spouse of this person
• the minor - child of that person or the minor child of the spouse
• another close relative who lived with that person in the same household at a time related to the mass influx of displaced persons and was wholly or partly dependent on him/her.

Foreigners who are not nationals of Ukraine and have a permanent residence in the territory of Ukraine granted before 24 February 2022 and who cannot return to their country or region of origin under safe and stable conditions.

• The proceedings for the provision of temporary refuge initiated under the Government Resolution of 28 February 2022 will be completed under the original conditions.

March 8, 2022

1. Temporary Refuge and Tolerated Stay - to be obtained by a foreigner

Citizens of Ukraine fleeing the conflict can apply for Temporary refuge at the Foreign Police and obtain a "Tolerated Stay" type of permit.

The Temporary refuge extends to the citizens of Ukraine, their family members without Ukrainian citizenship - wife/husband of the citizen of the Ukrainian citizen, minors - child of the Ukrainian citizen or the child of the wife/husband of the Ukrainian citizen, as well as a parent of the child - minor who is the citizen of Ukraine.

Temporary refuge can help to provide fast and unlimited access to the Labour market which significantly simplifies the process of employment. 

Ukrainian citizens must submit their applications to the Foreign Police in person.

All Foreign Police offices in Slovakia are open non-stop.

The Foreign Police will issue confirmation on tolerated stay in the Slovak Republic "Confirmation on granting tolerated stay in the territory of the Slovak Republic" marked as "ODÍDENEC" (sample attached).

It is usually issued immediately after application submission. 

In general, Foreign police have 30 days to decide and can extend this period.

This document also contains a birth number. 

The validity of this document is limited to the period during which the temporary refuge is being provided. The document is currently issued validity is until 31.12.2022).

The government can extend the period during the temporary refuge will be provided.

2. Employment - obligation of an employer

Employers can immediately employ a foreigner who is granted this particular status.

This is a Work Permit exempted scenario and it is not required to publish a vacant position notification.

The employer is obliged to notify the respective Labour Office of the beginning of employment.

Notification needs to be submitted in form of an Information card within 7 business days from the beginning/end of employment. 

Notification needs to be submitted at the end of the employment as well.

More information can be found: 

https://www.upsvr.gov.sk/media/medialne-spravy/uzitocne-informacie-pre-obcanov-ukrajiny-korisna-informacia-dla-gromadan-ukraini.html?page_id=1159972

March 4, 2022

• Entry is permitted without international passport.
• Holders of Ukrainian biometric passports are not subject to visa requirement.
• Those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine are not subject to COVID registration or quarantine.
• Ukrainian nationals and their qualifying non-Ukrainian relatives can apply for immediate temporary refuge, with quick and unrestricted access to the labour market, health care and education.

March 2, 2022

All scheduled appointments cancelled are cancelled as of  01.03.2022

Ministry of Interior of Slovak Republic announced that all scheduled reservations/appointment at Foreign police are cancelled and will need to be rescheduled.

Information on possibility to schedule new appointments will be published by Ministry of Interior / Foreign police.

Foreign Police departments will only serve foreigners coming from Ukraine who are citizen of Ukraine and their family members until further notice.

At the same time amendment to the Law on stay of foreigners is being prepared.

Based on this amendment, permit of foreigners who will not be able to apply for renewals of their permits, due to the limited operation of the Foreign police departments, will be extended. 

Further details will be known only once the amendment is published.

Official Slovak version on the web page of the Ministry of Interior:

https://www.minv.sk/?tlacove-spravy&sprava=oddelenia-cudzineckej-policie-vybavuju-len-ziadosti-ukrajinskych-obcanov-a-ich-rodinnych-prislusnikov

March 1, 2022

Slovakia is allowing entry to all persons fleeing the conflict including potentially those who do *not* have a valid travel document (biometric passport).

Ukrainian citizens can enter Slovakia.

They mayenter if they have valid documents and then move across Slovakia and the entire European Union for up to 90 days. In individual cases, people without a valid passport would be allowed to enter. Compulsory Covid quarantine does not apply to Ukrainian citizens that were immediately threatened before arrival. 

Employment of Ukrainian citizens in Slovakia

Immigration status does not change for those Ukrainian employers, who have already been granted work and residence permits in Slovakia. Foreigners with granted asylum or subsidiary protection are eligible to work legally in Slovakia. 

Currently, no changes have been introduced yet, but we may expect Government to announce changes in the process of approving applications for residence permits of Ukrainians in Slovakia and its further consequences.

Ukrainians are allowed to apply for a residence permit at the respective Foreign police in Slovakia.

Employees relocating to Slovakia

Employees who relocate from Ukraine to Slovakia have several work authorization options, including the Temporary Residence Permit and A Single Permit. Temporary Residence Permits are typically issued to employees on a foreign payroll assigned to Slovakia for business purposes. Single Permits are typically issued to employees on a local payroll with a Slovakian entity.  

Ukrainian nationals are permitted to apply in-country but must exit the country when the application is processed and can only re-enter once the work permit is granted. Generally, the entire process can take anywhere from five to ten months.   

Russia and Belarus Update - March 2, 2022

No restrictions from Slovak authorities as of today

March 4, 2022

• The government will grant stay extensions to Ukrainian nationals in South Korea on humanitarian grounds.
  • For those who wish to remain in South Korea after the expiration of their visas, the government will issue them with temporary stay permits that will also allow them to work.
  • Those whose period of stay has already expired are permitted to remain in South Korea until the situation stabilizes.

April 13, 2022

TPD Update

Following the activation of the EU Temporary Protection Directive in response to the large number of people being forcibly displaced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Spanish Government has activated an unprecedented system to ensure that Ukrainians fleeing their country can apply for temporary protection via an 'express' procedure. According to official sources, the Ministry of the Interior plans to resolve all such protection requests - from Ukrainians - within 24 hours.

On 9 March Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Minister of the Interior, and José Luis Escrivá, Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, signed an order approving the development of a "quick and simple" procedure for the recognition of temporary protection, in line with the EU directive to ensure the immediate reception of those fleeing the Ukrainian war. As a result, residence and work permits for those displaced from Ukraine and now in Spain "may be requested from specific police stations of the National Police throughout the territory, as well as in the authorised reception centres".

In addition to Ukrainian refugees, undocumented Ukrainians living in Spain will now be able to process their permits through this procedure. Applicants will be able to go to authorised points where officers of the national police will review their identification data and other documents, in order to register them and rule out the existence of serious criminal records. Once the procedure is complete, applicants will be assigned an Identification Number for Foreigners (NIE).

Furthermore, the Council of Ministers agreed to 'regularise' all Ukrainians living in Spain before the Russian invasion, since they cannot return to their country, and committed to guaranteeing temporary residence and work permits to third country nationals legally residing in Ukraine when the conflict broke out, regardless of the duration of their authorisation.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use Renfe trains free of charge

March 23, 2022

Temporary Protection Directive – Barcelona Specific

The Government has set up a centre in Barcelona, located in the Palau 7, Fira de Barcelona (Montjuïc) where Ukrainian citizens will be assisted to obtain the right to work and reside in Spain for 1 year and be able to have their residency extended for up to 3 years.

To obtain such permits and social services under the Temporary Protection Directive, each applicant will only require a passport photo, their fingerprints taken and a NIE number.

A local Call Center has been set up to make an appointment: 91 047 44 44. The telephone helpline is available in both Spanish and Ukrainian.

March 10, 2022

The Spanish Government has launched the mechanism through which, as of this Thursday, March the 10^th 2022, the displaced from Ukraine in our country can request and easily access temporary protection as well as all the rights associated with this figure, such as residence and work permits.

The Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, José Luis Escrivá, have signed this Wednesday the order that develops this procedure for the recognition of temporary protection. The text establishes that temporary protection may be requested from specific National Police stations throughout the territory as well as at authorized reception centers.

The applicants will be able to go to these authorized points where National Police officials will take their identification data and other elements, a procedure in which there will be language interpreters, and in which they will be issued a receipt accrediting their request for protection, which will also contain an assigned NIE.

The request will be processed by the Asylum and Refuge Office of the Ministry of the Interior and resolved within a maximum period of 24 hours. The resolution will include residence authorization and, in the case of applicants of legal age, work authorization.

The order establishes that the resolution will be notified to the applicant electronically whenever possible, by post or by personal appearance before police stations or foreign offices.

March 4, 2022

• Ukrainian citizens with a valid biometric passport may enter Spain by their own means and without the need for visa procedures, as long as they meet the health requirements in force at the date of travel

March 2, 2022

No restrictions for residence visas yet from Spanish authorities

• Ukrainian nationals can enter Switzerland visa-free for a stay of not more than 90 days within a 180-day period provided that they hold a valid biometric passport.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use Stena Line transport free of charge

March 21, 2022

Temporary Protection Directive

Requi­re­ments for tempo­rary protec­tion under the EU’s Tempo­rary Protec­tion Directive

You can get a residence permit with temporary protection under the Temporary Protection Directive if you

• are Ukrainian citizen and were a resident of Ukraine prior to 24 February 2022, or
• have a residence permit in Ukraine due to status as a refugee or person in need of subsidiary protection, or
• are a family member of someone who falls into one of the two categories described above.

To be covered by the Temporary Protection Directive, you must

• have left Ukraine on or after 24 February 2022, and
• present a valid passport or other identity document (children under 18 years of age may be granted a residence permit even if they do not have a valid passport or identity document).

If you do not meet these requirements but still need protection in Sweden, you can apply for asylum instead.

Persons who have committed certain criminal offences (such as war crimes or other serious crimes), or who pose a threat to the security of Sweden, cannot be granted a residence permit under the Temporary Protection Directive.

How to apply for protec­tion under the Tempo­rary Protec­tion Directive

You can register your application online or by visiting the Swedish Migration Agency in person. If you apply via the e-service and have made your own housing arrangements, you do not need to visit the Swedish Migration Agency until after we have made a decision.

If you need the Swedish Migration Agency’s help with housing you must visit us in person. If you submit an application via the e-service before you visit us, we can help you faster when you arrive.

To apply via the e-service, click the link. For more information, visit the Swedish Migration Agency webpage.

March 2nd, 2022

Russian Nationals get a 30-day visa on arrival.

Belarusians need to get a tourist visa prior to travel.

There are flights to Dubai but some flights have been cancelled, not all are currently operating.

March 16, 2022

If you’re Ukrainian and you have family in the UK

Ukraine Family Scheme

The Ukraine Family Scheme allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK.

You can call the free 24/7 helpline on +44 808 164 8810 (0808 164 8810 from within the UK) for help with any questions about the scheme.

If you cannot contact UK 0808 numbers, please use +44 (0)175 390 7510.

If you’re Ukrainian and you don’t have family in the UK

Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine

The government has announced plans for a new sponsorship scheme for Ukrainians without any family ties to the UK. The scheme will allow sponsors, such as communities, private sponsors or local authorities, to bring those forced to flee Ukraine to the UK.

There will be no limit on this scheme and we will welcome as many Ukrainians as wish to come and have matched sponsors.

Those who come under this scheme will also be granted leave for an initial period of 12 months and able to work and access public services.

The government will work closely with international partners and neighbouring countries on the scheme to ensure that displaced Ukrainians are supported to apply.

We will also make sure that those who want to sponsor an individual or family can volunteer and be matched quickly with Ukrainians in need, working closely with the devolved administrations and local authorities across the country.

Further details on the scheme for people will be published soon, including information on how people and organizations in the UK can apply to be sponsors.

Other visas

You can make an application to visit, work, study or join family in the UK in the normal way. 

Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Ukraine are currently closed. You can apply at a VAC in any country if you are able to travel safely.

VACs are currently operating throughout Europe including:

• Budapest, Hungary
• Chisinau, Moldova
• Warsaw, Poland
• Bucharest, Romania
• Paris, France

Before attending a VAC you must complete your online application form and have a GWF reference number.

If you need assistance, contact UKVI:

Telephone: + 44 808 164 8810 – select option 1 (0808 164 8810 if you're in the UK – select option 1)

Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a free phone number.

If you cannot contact UK 0808 numbers, please use +44 (0)175 390 7510.

If you’re Ukrainian and are already in the UK

Ukrainians already in the UK with a visa will be able to extend their stay by extending their visa or switching to another immigration route, where eligible, even if their visa does not normally allow them to do so.

If you need to travel to the UK urgently

If you need to travel to the UK urgently for compassionate reasons you should apply for a visa in the usual way at the nearest VAC if you can travel safely and include clear compelling or compassionate reasons for your visit in your application. You should also tell staff at the VAC about these reasons during your appointment.

You can upload supporting documents for your application online before attending your VAC appointment or you can have your documents uploaded at your appointment. There is a fee for uploading your documents at the VAC.

March 4, 2022

Overview of new UK Process for Ukrainians

The Ukraine Family Scheme allows applicants to join family members or extend their stay in the UK.

It is free to apply.

You will be able to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds.

Eligibility

To apply to the Ukraine Family Scheme you must:

• be applying to join or accompany your UK-based family member; and
• be Ukrainian or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national who is applying to the scheme; and
• have been residing in Ukraine prior to 1 January 2022 (including those who have now left Ukraine)

Your application will be subject to security checks.

You might also be eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit if you are the family member of someone who is living in the UK with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme who is from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

You can choose which scheme you apply for but please do not apply to both the Ukraine Family Scheme and the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit.

UK-based family member

Your family member must be one of the following:

• a British national
• someone settled in the UK - for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence
• someone who has pre-settled status and started living in the UK before 1 January 2021
• someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK

You must provide evidence that your UK-based family member is one of the following:

• an immediate family member
• an extended family member
• an immediate family member of an extended family member

You will be asked to provide a copy of an official document that confirms your relationship to your UK-based family member. For example, a marriage or birth certificate if you have one. If you are unable to provide this document you can still apply, explaining why you are unable to do so.

Immediate family members

An immediate family member is your:

• spouse or civil partner
• unmarried partner (you must have been living together in a relationship for at least two years)
• child who is under 18
• parent (if you are under 18)
• fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner

Extended family members

An extended family member is your:

• parent (if you are over 18)
• child who is over 18
• grandparent
• grandchild or your partner’s grandchild
• brother or sister

Immediate family member of an extended family member

An immediate family member of an extended family is the:

• spouse or civil partner of an extended family member
• child under 18 of an extended family member
• parent of a child under 18 who is an extended family member
• fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner of an extended family member

If your UK-based family member is your (or an extended family member’s) spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner the relationship must have started before 1 January 2022.

Other family members will be considered where there are exceptional circumstances.

How long you can stay

Your visa will last up to 3 years.

Fees

It is free to apply to the Ukraine Family Scheme.

You do not need to pay the immigration health surcharge for this scheme.

How long it takes

The UK Government will prioritise your application and aim to make a decision as quickly as possible.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for the Ukraine Family Scheme.

You will then book and attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Visa application centres

You will need to have your photograph and fingerprints taken at a VAC as part of your application. Children under the age of 5 will not have their fingerprints taken but will still need to attend the VAC and have a digital photograph taken.

When you attend the VAC you will need to provide your passport which will be scanned. If you do not have a passport you can still apply but will need to explain why you are unable to provide it.

The VAC in Kyiv is closed and all UK visa services in Kyiv are suspended.

There are temporary VACs for people applying for the Ukraine Family Scheme in:

• the Lemberg Business Centre in Lviv, Ukraine
• Rzeszow, Poland

You can apply at a VAC in any country if you are able to travel safely. VACs are currently operating throughout Europe including:

• Hungary
• Moldova
• Poland
• Romania
• Paris, France

Apply from inside the UK

Guidance on how to apply to the scheme from inside the UK will be available soon.

March 3rd, 2022

The Home Office are extending the free 12-month visa route to further types of family members of British citizens/persons settled in the UK to include parents, grandparents, adult children, and siblings. Anyone granted leave under this route will be able to work and access public funds. In order to apply under this route you need to call +44 300 3032785 and select option 1.

A 'humanitarian sponsorship pathway' is going to be established for Ukrainians who may not have family ties with the UK but who are able to match with individuals, charities, businesses and community groups. This will also allow work and access to public funds. The full details of this scheme are yet to be announced, however the Home Office have confirmed that there is no limit to how many people can apply under this route.

March 2nd, 2022

Non-British family members of British nationals currently in Ukraine can apply online for a family migration visa. To qualify, the British family member must be either a spouse or unmarried partner who has lived with their partner for at least two years, a parent of an applicant under the age of 18 or a dependent adult relative. 

Applicants will need to apply to the UK Visa and Immigration office and receive confirmation.  Individuals in Ukraine can also apply through a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in the nearby countries of Poland, Romania, Hungary, or Moldova.

Ukraine nationals in the UK on visit visas are being allowed to remain/switch visa status if they can.

Ukrainian nationals under a points-based system can extend their stay in the UK. Ukrainian nationals under a visitor visa can switch to a points-based system without the need to need the UK.

Ukrainian nationals under a visitor visa can apply under the family route for further leave without meeting the immigration status requirement, provided they meet the requirements for leave based on exceptional circumstances.

Possible temporary visa concessions for family members of UK nationals in Ukraine - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-secretary-announces-visa-concessions-for-ukrainians

April 22, 2022

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the Uniting for Ukraine program, a process for Ukrainian citizens who have been displaced by Russian aggression towards Ukraine to apply for humanitarian residence in the United States.

Starting April 25, 2022, U.S.-based individuals and entities can apply to DHS to sponsor Ukrainian citizens. The program is live on the DHS website from April 25, 2022.

To be eligible under the new process, Ukrainians must:

have been residents in Ukraine as of February 11, 2022;

have a sponsor in the United States (see below for sponsor information);

complete vaccinations and other public health requirements;

complete biometric and biographic screening and vetting security checks.

Ukrainians approved via this process will be authorized to travel to the United States and be considered, on a case-by-case basis, for a period of up to two years. Once through this process, Ukrainians will be eligible for work authorization. 

DHS also reports that the U.S. government is working with European partners to ensure Ukrainians can meet the vaccination requirements for this process.  

Any U.S. citizen or individual can sponsor Ukrainian applicants under the Uniting for Ukraine process. Individuals and organizations seeking to sponsor Ukrainian citizens in the United States will be required to declare their financial support and pass security background checks,

March 14, 2022

Statement from USCIS in regards to case by case requests they will consider for Ukrainians

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reminds the public that they offer immigration services that may help people affected by extreme situations, including the invasion of Ukraine.

The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request:

• Changing a non-immigrant status or extending a non-immigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. If you fail to apply for the extension or change before expiration of your authorized period of admission, we may excuse that if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;
• Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
• Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
• Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
• Expedited adjudication of petitions or applications, including employment authorization applications, where appropriate;
• Consideration of fee waiver requests due to an inability to pay;
• Flexibility for those who received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to submit evidence or otherwise respond in a timely manner;
• Flexibility if you were unable to appear for a scheduled interview with USCIS;
• Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document, or Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record; and
• Rescheduling a biometric services appointment.

Note: When you request help, please explain how the impact of the extreme situations or unforeseen circumstances, such as the invasion of Ukraine, created a need for the requested relief.

March 4, 2022

Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.

TPS is a statutory status that allows people from a designated country to remain in the United States while conditions in their home country make safe return impossible.

Individuals eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022. Individuals who attempt to travel to the United States after March 1, 2022 will not be eligible for TPS. Ukraine’s 18-month designation will go into effect on the publication date of the forthcoming Federal Register notice.  Ukrainians nationals who would like to apply for TPS status should do so by filing Form I-821 and submitting any required information or documentation. Additional information regarding eligibility for TPS and how to apply, please go to the USCIS site: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/explore-my-options/temporary-protected-status

The Federal Register notice will provide instructions for applying for TPS and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). TPS applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and undergo security and background checks.

Biden Administration Considers TPS, Other Measures for Ukrainians; Advocacy Organizations Weigh In; Consular Services Suspended in Kyiv 

According to reports, the Biden administration is considering implementing protections for Ukrainians in the United States, as Russia invades Ukraine in a rapidly developing situation expected to result in many refugees and displaced persons. Such relief in the United States could include a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Ukraine or a Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) presidential order.  

Below are selected highlights of where things stand: 

Advocacy Organizations Call for Relief 

Immigration and refugee advocacy organizations are calling for the Biden administration to aid Ukrainian nationals in the United States. For example: 

• The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, a coalition of more than 500 college and university presidents, called on the Biden administration to designate Ukraine for TPS and special student relief (SSR) for Ukrainian international students residing or studying in the United States. Miriam Feldblum, Executive Director, noted that SSR would allow eligible students to remain in the United States by suspending or altering rules regarding status, full course of study, and work eligibility during the designation period. “International students from Ukraine will likely face significant obstacles and complexities in the coming weeks, months, and years; and uncertainty over their courses or ability to remain in the United States should not be one of those obstacles,” she said. 
• The 15,000-member American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) called for expeditious processing and humanitarian relief such as TPS for Ukrainians in the United States and a moratorium on removals.  
• Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) also called for TPS and provided a sign-on letter to the Biden administration. KIND President Wendy Young said, “We encourage nations to receive those fleeing Ukraine at the border, grant them access to asylum procedures, and help these refugees reach and reunify with family that may have fled to other parts of Europe.” 

According to estimates, of the roughly 104,600 Ukrainian noncitizens in the United States, about 30,000 would be potential TPS or DED beneficiaries, as they do not have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. 

Consular Services Suspended; Help at Borders 

In related developments, consular services in Kyiv have been suspended. Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas may apply in any country in which they are physically present and where there are appointments available, the Department of State said. Those who have an immigrant visa case currently pending with U.S. Embassy Kyiv and would like to transfer processing of an immigration case to another U.S. Embassy must contact the receiving U.S Embassy in that country to authorize and initiate the transfer.  

The Department of State announced that Poland is allowing U.S. citizens to enter Poland through the land border with Ukraine. No advance approval is required. The Department provided additional information for U.S. citizens in Ukraine and for those departing it, including advice on border crossings where consular officers are stationed to provide assistance in Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova. 

Donetsk/Luhansk Persons Denied Unrestricted Entry 

An executive order issued February 21, 2022, suspends the unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of certain persons operating in the Donetsk or Luhansk regions of Ukraine. 

Details: 

• “Biden Administration Considering Protecting Ukrainians in the U.S. from Deportation,” CBS News, Feb. 24, 2022, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-administration-considering-protecting-ukrainians-in-the-u-s-from-deportation/  
• Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration statement, https://www.presidentsalliance.org/press/coalition-of-over-500-college-and-university-presidents-calls-on-secretaries-mayorkas-and-blinken-to-designate-ukraine-for-tps-and-special-student-relief/  
• AILA statement, https://www.aila.org/advo-media/press-releases/2022/aila-calls-on-biden-administration-help-ukrainian  
• KIND statement, https://supportkind.org/press-releases/kind-urges-eu-protection-for-ukranians/  
• Executive Order, White House, Feb. 21, 2022, https://bit.ly/3spuY9f  
• Status of Consular Services in Kyiv, Dept. of State, Feb. 22, 2022, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/status-of-consular-services-in-kyiv.html  
• Information for U.S. Citizens in Ukraine, Feb. 22, 2022, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/information-for-us-citizens-in-Ukraine.html  

March 9, 2022

Russia and Belarus Update

Russian citizens do not need a visa to enter the Republic of Uzbekistan. Russian citizens may stay in Uzbekistan for a period not exceeding the end date of their registration at the place of stay in Uzbekistan. The registration takes place for up to 6-month. Upon expiration of the specified period, the Russian citizens can apply for a prolongation of the duration of the stay for another 6-month period. The process can be done in the country without a necessity to leave the country. 

Foreigners arriving in Uzbekistan are required to register at the place of stay:

- at the local offices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan within 3 days; or

- at hotels licensed to accommodate foreigners. 

The hotel administration performs this procedure on its own, without the participation of the foreigner. The hotel's license to accommodate foreign citizens should be clarified when checking in.

If Russian citizens stay in the country for the period of 183 days within any successive 12-month period tax risks may arise.

March 28, 2022

People fleeing from Ukraine can use Slovenske železnice trains free of charge.