Romania tightens checks on Ukrainian men, temporary protection not granted after illegal border crossing – social media
Social media reports have emerged that Ukraine’s men of conscription age who illegally crossed into Romania are allegedly having their foreign passports temporarily seized and being asked for documents that prove their right to leave Ukraine.
The author of one video claims that on August 5 several Ukrainians were kept at a police station pending a decision by the Romanian border service. According to him, applicants were allegedly asked to confirm that they had no unfulfilled military obligations or had legal grounds to leave Ukraine.
As of August 6, there is no official confirmation of mass passport seizure, detention of Ukrainians or preparations for their deportation. Relevant statements have not been issued by the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration or the Romanian border police. Nor have major Romanian media reported any specific decision by the Romanian authorities.
At the same time, on August 5 an EU Council decision entered into force, extending temporary protection for Ukrainians for another year — until 4 March 2028.
The document introduces a new condition for people who will apply for temporary protection for the first time. They must prove that they have fulfilled their military obligations under Ukrainian law or had a legal right to leave the country.
The restriction applies only to new applicants. Ukrainians who have already obtained temporary protection in Romania or another EU country do not need to reconfirm the lawfulness of their departure because of the new rule.
As an example of proof, the EU Council names a foreign passport bearing a mark by Ukrainian border guards confirming lawful exit. Paper or electronic documents proving release from or performance of military duties may also be accepted. The specific list of documents will be decided by the EU member states’ authorities that process applications.
Romanian media previously reported that the new rules would not automatically apply to all Ukrainian men of conscription age. What will matter is not the person‘s age in itself, but whether they have evidence of a lawful departure or of fulfilling the military obligations set out in Ukrainian legislation.
The social media videos mention the “Reserve+” application. However, it is not separately named in the EU Council’s official communication. The document speaks in general about paper or electronic confirmations, so the final list of documents must be clarified by the Romanian authorities.
Thus, the tighter scrutiny of new applicants is in line with the EU decision. Meanwhile, claims about passport seizures and possible deportation of Ukrainians from Romania are so far based only on social media posts and require official confirmation.
