Kseniya Bilash, editor (“Culture” department)
Ukrainian refugees will have the right to live and work in the European Union for up to three years according to the emergency plan. This was reported by the press service of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ukrainian citizens already have 90 days of visa-free access to the EU, but this unprecedented change in EU law guarantees them status after this period.
The EU provides for the right of Ukrainian citizens and residents to live, work, receive medical care, housing and education immediately for up to one year, without the need for lengthy asylum procedures. If the conflict continues for a long time or the refugees cannot return safely, this status can be extended for another two years.
"Europe stands for those who need protection. Everyone who is fleeing Putin's bombs is happy in Europe. We will protect asylum seekers and help those who are looking for a safe way home, "said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
At the same time, the Brussels authorities called on border guards on both sides of the Ukraine-EU border to ensure entry into the EU for everyone, regardless of nationality or ethnicity. Stateless persons of Ukraine or with no right of permanent residence - ie foreigners, foreign students - will not receive the right to remain in the EU, but will be helped to return to their country of origin.
After Russia launched a brutal attack a week ago, nearly 875,000 people were forced to leave their homes in Ukraine. More than half (454,000) went to Poland, 116,000 to Hungary, 67,000 to Slovakia, 45,000 to Romania and 79,000 to non-EU Moldova.
It will be recalled that a number of countries have made rail travel ticket-free for Ukrainians. Most people only need to present a Ukrainian passport to take advantage of the offer.
By Kseniya Bilash, editor (“Culture” department)