Thousands of Ukrainian refugees could be deported from Israel by end of year - Media

The group protection status that has allowed Ukrainians to live and work legally in Israel since 2022 is now nearing expiration, and a decision on its extension has still not been made. If the Israeli authorities do not confirm the extension, tens of thousands of Ukrainians will find themselves without legal status and may be forcibly removed from the country.

Human rights advocates and representatives of the Ukrainian community have already expressed concern over the delay and are calling on the Israeli authorities to urgently resolve the issue to prevent a social crisis among the refugees.

Observers warn that without timely intervention, the situation could quickly escalate, especially ahead of the holiday season and the winter cold.

Human rights advocates say that many families who arrived back in 2022 rely on this status for a normal life, and that losing legal status could lead to serious social and economic problems for them.

It is currently unknown when exactly the Israeli authorities will make a final decision regarding the extension of group protection for Ukrainians.

Ukrainian refugees in Israel

Ukrainian refugees in Israel are currently living under different circumstances: some have integrated, while others face a constant risk of losing their legal status. The decline in medical and social protection, uncertainty with documentation, and various risks are creating significant pressure on people who lost their homes because of the war.

Starting January 1, 2025, Israel introduced new requirements for tourists from visa-free countries, including Ukraine: travelers must now obtain an ETA-IL electronic travel authorization to enter the country.

Moreover, back in 2022, the Israeli authorities stated that they were taking a neutral position regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine. Jerusalem did not provide weapons to the Ukrainian army, but it has been delivering humanitarian aid.