Cabinet prepares new rules for foreigners fighting for Ukraine

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a bill designed to strengthen the legal protection of foreigners and stateless persons taking part in the defense of Ukraine. The document provides for changes to the rules of stay in the country after the completion of military service, obtaining an immigration permit, and paperwork.

The bill was drafted by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs. It must now be considered by the Verkhovna Rada.

One of the key proposals is to increase the period of lawful temporary residence in Ukraine after the end of a military contract from three to six months. The government explained that the additional time should allow former service members to resolve their legal status after their service ends.

Military service proposed to count toward immigration

The period of contract military service is proposed to be counted toward the five-year residency requirement in Ukraine needed to obtain an immigration permit.

In addition, a combatant's certificate, a certificate of disability due to war, or a relevant extract from the Unified State Register of War Veterans could become grounds for obtaining a temporary residence permit.

The bill also provides for a separate immigration quota for foreigners who, together with units of the Armed Forces or the National Guard, performed combat or service tasks for at least four months in combat areas.

This possibility will also be provided for foreigners who were captured while participating in the defense of Ukraine.

A separate travel document to be introduced for some foreigners

Another change concerns service members who cannot obtain or renew a passport in their country of citizenship. The reason may be security threats or political circumstances.

For such individuals, a special foreigner's certificate for traveling abroad is proposed. It should help resolve travel issues when it is impossible to obtain a regular national passport.

Prime Minister Sergiy Koretskyi noted that the changes concern foreigners and stateless persons who came from other countries and joined the defense of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

According to him, after completing their contracts, such service members should have more time to legalize their continued stay in the country, and the service itself will be taken into account when obtaining immigration status.

The proposed rules have not yet entered into force. For this, the bill must be adopted by the Verkhovna Rada, after which the document must go through the further procedure provided by law.

Based on materials from: Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine