Extension of special law: Another EU country to let Ukrainians stay until 2025

At the EU Council meeting on September 28, countries agreed to prolong temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees. The Ministry of Immigration and Integration of Denmark stated that the special law, which allows Ukrainians to work, study, and receive medical services in the country, will be extended for one more year until March 2025.

"The prospects for ending the barbaric foreign aggression in Ukraine are not yet in sight. This is an absolutely extraordinary situation, and therefore, to extend the special law is the only right decision for us. Despite the challenging circumstances, many Ukrainians have managed to find employment in this country, which, in my opinion, is very positive. Later on, we will assess whether there is a need to make changes to the special law," said Minister of Immigration and Integration Kaare Dybvad Bek.

The National Integration Barometer shows that 53% of adult Ukrainians in Denmark are already employed. Danish entrepreneurs have long advocated for the extension of the special law, as otherwise, Ukrainian refugees would have to leave the country in March 2024.

Denmark adopted the special law for Ukrainian refugees on March 17, 2022. Since then, nearly 40,000 war refugees from Ukraine have received temporary residence permits. The majority of them were also provided with housing. 908 people were denied temporary residence.

Recently, Estonia supported the extension of the temporary protection policy for Ukrainians until 2025. This was mentioned in a statement by the parliamentary committee on EU affairs. The continued support for refugees will cost the country 1.6 million euros.

Portugal and Greece have also announced a six-month extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees.