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Refugee inflow from Ukraine

What is temporary protection?

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a military aggression against Ukraine. Since then, millions of people have fled the war, seeking refuge in EU countries and in the Republic of Moldova.

On 4 March 2022, the EU activated the temporary protection directive. The EU directive was adopted in 2001, in the aftermath of the large-scale displacement experienced in Europe due to the armed conflicts in the Western Balkans, in particular from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.

On 27 September 2023, ministers reached a political agreement on the extension of the temporary protection until 4 March 2025. The decision was adopted on 19 October 2023.

Temporary protection is an EU emergency mechanism which is activated in exceptional circumstances of mass influx to:

  • provide collective protection to displaced persons
  • reduce pressure on the national asylum systems of EU countries

Who can benefit from temporary protection?

The temporary protection scheme applies to the following people if they were residing in Ukraine on or before 24 February 2022:

  • Ukrainian nationals and their family members
  • non-Ukrainian nationals and stateless persons benefiting from international protection in Ukraine (e.g. refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection) and their family members
  • non-Ukrainian nationals with a permanent residence permit who cannot return to their country of origin in safe and durable conditions (adequate national protection can also apply)

It may also apply to other people, including:

  • Ukrainian nationals who fled Ukraine not long before 24 February
  • Ukrainian nationals who found themselves in EU territory just before 24 February (e.g. for holiday or work purposes)
  • non-Ukrainian nationals with a non-permanent residence permit who cannot return to their country of origin in safe and durable conditions

All people fleeing Ukraine, regardless of the category they come under, are granted access to the EU prior to returning to their place of origin.

residency rights and housing

residency rights and access to housing

labour market

access to the labour market

health and welfare

social welfare and medical assistance

 

For unaccompanied children and teenagers:

  • legal guardianship
  • access to education

Can beneficiaries apply for refugee status?

Being a temporary protection beneficiary does not preclude the possibility of applying for refugee status or other forms of protection available in EU countries.

 

How long does temporary protection last?

The temporary protection was initially granted for one year has and has already been extended until 4 March 2024. Depending on how the situation in Ukraine evolves it can be extended for another year, until March 2025.

Is temporary protection automatic?

The temporary protection is automatic but beneficiaries should apply for a residence permit in the EU country where they have decided to stay.

Is temporary protection only valid in one EU country?

Ukrainian nationals are visa-free travellers. Once admitted to EU territory, they can:

  • move freely for a 90-day period
  • choose the EU country in which they want to benefit from the temporary protection rights
refugee family

The EU stands in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people. In response to Russia’s aggression, the EU has shown unity and strength and has provided Ukraine with coordinated humanitarian, political, financial and material support.

What is the EU doing to help refugees?

The EU has taken concrete actions to help refugees, including:

  • temporary protection mechanism for people fleeing the war
  • €2.62 billion in humanitarian aid
  • civil protection support to Ukraine, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, the Republic of Moldova and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
  • financial and technical support for member states hosting refugees
  • border management support for EU countries and Moldova

For more details: 

See also:

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Last review: 7 February 2024