We have summarized some helpful information and links relating to immigration concessions below:

2022-03-01

We are actively monitoring the situation in Ukraine and will continue to update this post as more information becomes available. The purpose of this blog is to share helpful information with those fleeing Ukraine (Ukrainian and foreign nationals). We have included information from the Centuro Global Members, who are offering support to people on the ground as well as in surrounding countries. For immigration advice or support, please contact us.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, many nationals are fleeing the war for surrounding European nations and other countries abroad. The United Nations has estimated that over 2.3 Million refugees have already fled Ukraine since the crisis began on 24 February.

The Ministry of Foreign affairs of Ukraine imposed Martial Law on 24 February 2022, meaning all Ukrainian Males aged between 18-60 are forbidden from leaving the country. The Czech Ministry of Defence has confirmed that even Ukrainian citizens residing abroad based on any type of residence permit, including second citizenship, must comply with the summon order to return to Ukraine to fight. A non-compliance with the order will be considered an act of treason.

We have summarized some helpful information and links relating to immigration concessions below:

Countries offering immigration concessions for Ukrainian and foreign nationals:  

The European Union  

Although Ukraine is not part of the European Union, the country has an Association Agreement with the EU. Ukrainian citizens are granted visa-free travel to the Schengen Area for a period of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This means that Ukrainians can enter EU countries without a visa. Several European countries are preparing for an influx of Ukrainian refugees and have offered humanitarian help. The EU has also offered to accept Ukrainian refugees for up to three years, without asking them to apply for asylum.

Further details are shared below for countries that have specified Visa Concessions for Ukrainians. If you have any questions and require immigration support, please get in touch with us.

Czech Republic 
 

Our immigration partner Miroslav Mejtský in the Czech Republic has shared valuable immigration updates. The information can be accessed below.

What support is the Czech Republic providing  
The Czech Republic is providing support for Ukrainian nationals looking to flee the country.  The Czech Embassy in Kyiv as well as the Consulate in L’viv has been closed today.

What does it mean? 
As the applications for the first long-term visas and residence permits must be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of the Czech Republic, it will now not be possible for a Ukrainian citizen to submit a visa application to the Czech Republic and obtain a long-term residence there.

What if the Ukrainian national already submitted the application? 

If the application has already been submitted, the Immigration Authority shall continue the approval process, however, in case of the long-term visa applications, the long-term visas must be collected at the Embassy or Consulate where the application has been submitted. In case of the residence permits (e.g., Employee Card, Blue Card, Family Reunification), the residence permit can be collected at the Immigration Authority in the Czech Republic.

Thanks to the visa-free regime for Ukrainian nationals holding biometric passports, long-term residence permit applicants can arrive (if possible) to the Czech Republic and wait for approval and collection of the residence permit on the territory of the Czech Republic.

As per the latest information, it will be possible to collect the long-term visas (once approved) at the designated Embassy of the Czech Republic during the time the diplomatic missions of the Czech Republic will be closed.

We were preparing our application to be filed, but the Embassy has closed, what shall we do now? 

As per the current legislation, it is not possible to file the first long-term visa and/or residence permit applications in the Czech Republic or at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in other countries than Ukraine (except the situation where the Ukrainian national holds a long-term residence permit in the other country).

However, we have thought about, prepared, and provided the government with two solutions for the situation within the scope of the current legislation:

• A governmental program which will allow Ukrainian nationals without any residence permit to file their application in the Czech Republic,
• Include Ukraine to the list of countries whose nationals can submit their application at any Embassy of the Czech Republic stipulated through a governmental decree no. 429/2010 Coll.

We have obtained information that the Immigration Authority is preparing a solution for this situation, and it can be recommended for Ukrainian nationals to arrive in the Czech Republic. Whilst the solution is not in place yet, the Immigration Authority ensured the solution will be in place until the 90 visa-free days will expire.

Ukrainian nationals currently residing in the Czech Republic.  

I have/our employee has been summoned to the Ukrainian army, what shell be done? 
We were able to obtain information from the Czech Ministry of Defense, which requested confirmation from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, that in case Ukrainian national residing abroad based on any type of residence permit, even based on second citizenship, must comply with the summon order and non-compliance with the order will be considered as an act of treason.

I am/our employee is in the Czech Republic based on short-term visa/visa-free regime which will expire soon, what shall be done? 
Provided the permit to stay in the Czech Republic expires in less than 14 days, it will be necessary to visit the Immigration Authority where it will be possible to apply for a special kind of long-term visa on the basis of the undergoing conflict in Ukraine.

The ministry of The Interior/Immigration has launched a new website and helplines with information for Ukrainian nationals. The website and the helpline contacts can be found under this link.

Hungary 
 

What support is Hungary providing?
Hungary has announced that all those fleeing the war will have a ‘’ friendly place’’ to stay upon arrival in Hungary. Hungary will allow everyone in, including those without travel documents, as well as people with other nationalities that are travelling from Ukraine. However, relevant screening protocols will apply.

For those without travel documents 
Entry to Hungary is permitted for those without travel documents. The rule is that all refugees must be helped. This also applies to third-country nationals who are travelling to Hungary from Ukraine.  Individuals will be screened upon arrival. More information can be found here.

For those with valid travel documents  
Those who have a valid biometric passport are legally eligible to stay in Hungary for a period of 90 days. For those needing to stay for longer than 90 days, various visa options are available. Currently, concessions are in place. No further information is available at this time to understand what processes are needed for those intending to stay for longer durations. Please contact us should you wish to understand what other visa categories may apply to you. It is likely that efforts for concessions will continue.

Suggested Supporting Documents  
If possible, it is advised to carry the following documents:

• Identification such as an ID Card or Passport
• COVID-19 vaccination / recovery certificate (if applicable)
• If possible, other important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, property certificates, diplomas, and other documents related to education

The official press release statement can be accessed here.  For further information on visa options available, please contact us.

Poland
 


What Support is Poland Providing?    

The Polish authorities have stated that Ukrainian citizens fleeing the Russian military aggression against Ukraine will be admitted to Poland. Currently, Ukrainian citizens do not need to register or worry about formalities concerning immigration options at reception points.

There are multiple reception points at various border crossings and entry points. At these reception areas, all persons fleeing Ukraine and seeking refuge in Poland will be provided with food, basic medical treatment, and legal assistance.  

For Ukrainian citizens already in Poland who are worried about their visas coming to an end, Polish authorities have advised that all legal stays will be extended. More detailed information on the support Poland is providing, including where to locate reception points, can be accessed by following these links:  Link1, Link2, and, Link3

Work Permits  

The Polish Family and Social Policy Minister have directed the country’s labour offices to fast-track work permit procedures for Ukrainian nationals. To understand the long-term visa options that may apply to Ukrainian citizens looking to relocate to Poland permanently, please contact us to discuss visa applications.

Suggested supporting documents   
Polish authorities have stated that everyone who is fleeing the conflict will be admitted to Poland, even those who do not hold valid documents.  If possible, it is advised to bring carry the following documents:

• Identification such as an ID Card or Passport
• COVID-19 vaccination / recovery certificate (if applicable)
• If possible, other important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, property certificates, diplomas, and other documents related to education

Important Information    
The Polish authorities have advised Ukrainian citizens to go to the nearest reception point if they do not have a place to stay in Poland. These reception points will provide food and the necessary medical services if needed.  The locations for the reception points can be found here.

Covid-19 Vaccine    
For citizens entering Poland who has not yet been vaccinated, options to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Poland are available. Poland’s Health Minister has stated that Ukrainians can produce an ID document (if possible), which can be a permanent or temporary ID card or a passport, in order to receive their Covid-19 vaccine if they haven’t already.  

Romania 

What Support is Romania providing? 
Romania will be also helping refugees with Hammond Partnership providing legal aid and assistance.  The contact point for Romania is Mihaela Lupu (mlupu@hplegal.ro).

Slovakia   
 

What support is Slovakia providing?  
Slovakia has announced that they will support the arrival of Ukrainian nationals fleeing the war. Ukraine has a visa-free entry regime with its neighbouring countries, meaning that refugees or persons fleeing war can pass the border. Slovakian authorities have stated that everyone who is fleeing the conflict will be admitted to Slovakia, even those who do not hold valid documents. The entry process will, however, change, depending on what documents the persons have on hand.  For more information, visit the official website.

For those without valid travel documents  
Those entering Slovakia without valid travel documents, (such as a valid biometric passport or ID card) can apply for temporary refuge or asylum within the territory of the Slovak Republic. A temporary refuge or asylum visa is granted at the border crossing or at the local police department. Those who require asylum or temporary refuge will be hosted by the Slovak Republic at three asylum facilities. Once asylum or temporary refuge has been granted, candidates may take up work without a work permit.  More information can be found here.

For those with valid travel documents 
Those who have a valid biometric passport are legally eligible to stay in the territory of the Slovak Republic for a period of 90 days. For those needing to stay for longer than 90 days, various visa options are available. These include any form of legal residence (such as temporary residence permits or family reunification visas).

Please contact us should you wish to understand what other visa categories may apply to you. It is likely that efforts for concessions will continue.

Suggested Supporting Documents  
If possible, it is advised to carry the following documents:

• Identification such as an ID Card or Passport
• COVID-19 vaccination / recovery certificate (if applicable)
• If possible, other important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, property certificates, diplomas, and other documents related to education

Important Information    

Border Crossings  
Authorities are taking steps to provide effective assistance at all border crossings. Border crossing locations can be found here: https://ua.gov.sk/en.html  Slovak firefighters have built temporary emergency camps for Ukrainian refugees and have increased the capacity of asylum facilities.