Denmark prepares bill to revoke protection for Ukrainian men of military age
Photo: Denmark prepares bill to revoke protection for Ukrainian men (InstitutSURI)
On June 25, Denmark submitted a bill that would strip Ukrainian men of military age of their right to temporary protection in the country, according to the website of the Danish Immigration Service.
The bill was submitted by Morten Bødskov, Denmark's Minister for Immigration and Integration. The amendments would be introduced to the Special Act on temporary residence permits for displaced persons from Ukraine.
If adopted, the bill would prevent some Ukrainians from obtaining a residence permit in Denmark under this scheme.
Who will be affected by the changes
The amendments would apply to Ukrainians subject to mobilization rules — currently men aged 23 to 60.
They would be eligible for a residence permit under the Special Act only if they can provide documentary proof of exemption from military service.
Ukrainian men under the age of 23 would be granted residence permits only until they reach that age. After turning 23, they would not be able to extend their permit without proof of exemption from military service.
What will happen to permits already issued
The amendment would apply to all applications submitted on or after June 25, 2026.
If a decision on an application was made before the new rules enter into force, the case would be processed under the legislation currently in effect.
The Danish Immigration Service will assess whether residence permits issued to applicants who applied on or after June 25 but received their permits before the new rules take effect should be revoked. The agency will contact all individuals whose permits may be subject to cancellation.
The changes will not affect Ukrainians who obtained a residence permit under the Special Act and submitted their application before June 25, 2026.
They will also not be required to prove exemption from military service when renewing their permits.
As previously reported, Sweden also called in June for restrictions on temporary protection for Ukrainian men of military age.
Overall, there is no unified position on the issue within the EU. The idea is supported by Germany, Sweden, and Poland, while a number of other countries oppose it.
