New EU rules to strip some Ukrainians of refugee status
Photo: Ukrainian refugees (Getty Images)
The EU has extended temporary protection status for Ukrainian asylum seekers for another year, until March 4, 2028. However, the rules for granting this status will now become stricter, according to the European Council.
EU countries have agreed that, from now on, temporary protection will be granted exclusively to those Ukrainian citizens who are fulfilling their military duties to the state.
The decision clearly spells out the rules governing this restriction:
- It will apply only to new applicants seeking the status for the first time
- The restriction will not apply to Ukrainians who are already officially receiving temporary protection within the European Union.
As explained by Jim O’Callaghan, Ireland's Minister for Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration, the EU remains steadfast in its support for the Ukrainian people. At the same time, European partners want to ensure that Ukraine has the capacity to defend itself against Russian aggression, so the updated scheme takes Kyiv’s legitimate defense needs into account.
How new verification mechanism will work
To obtain temporary protection in the EU, new applicants will have to provide documentary evidence of having performed military duties. This can be done in several ways:
- Present a passport with an exit stamp issued by Ukrainian border authorities. This will confirm that the citizen left Ukraine legally
- Provide a paper or electronic document that officially confirms exemption from military service or proves that military service has been completed.
A special mechanism for providing temporary protection was first activated at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in March 2022. Since then, 4.38 million people have taken advantage of the program, which offers assistance and safe shelter in European Union countries.
For Ukrainians considering returning from abroad, a special platform called Home has been launched. It helps plan the return by offering step-by-step guidance—from finding housing and employment to enrolling children in schools.
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that all young Ukrainians fit for military service should remain in Ukraine and join in its defense against Russian aggression.
