The Verkhovna Rada has backed a bill extending the period for applying for a temporary residence permit for foreigners and stateless persons serving in the military in Ukraine. The relevant decision was adopted at a sitting on 27 October, the parliament’s press service reported.
The bill provides for extending this period from six months to one year and grants three months to submit documents after signing a contract. It also sets a period for regularising legal status in the event of discharge from service.
The changes apply to service members who have signed contracts with the Armed Forces, the State Special Transport Service and the National Guard.
Previously, the Ministry of Defence explained that the permit is issued for the full duration of the contract plus six months after it ends or is terminated. This period after completing service gives foreign veterans time to resolve social, legal and practical matters or to leave Ukraine safely. Throughout the entire specified period, the person is considered to be staying in Ukraine on lawful grounds.