Many Ukrainians have already returned to their country. Some 10,000 refugees in France have left as war and Russian strikes continue to ravage Ukraine. But for those who remain, the European Union has extended “at least until March 2024” the temporary protection granted to them, Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson announced on Monday. She specified that 4.2 million Ukrainians were currently concerned by this status, granted for the first time by the EU, which gives them rights in terms of access to housing, the labor market, the school system and social benefits in particular.
Monday morning’s shelling of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities “shows the importance of us continuing to welcome those who need to flee to the EU”, she added. She assured Ukrainians who had decided to return home that they could return to the EU if the situation deteriorated again there, and regain their temporary protection status.
“We have decided that it will not be necessary to deregister from temporary protection if you return (to Ukraine). The only thing you have to do is report to the national or local authorities of your host country that you are returning to Ukraine,” she said.
The Temporary Protection Directive, separate from the usual asylum procedure, was first activated by the EU in early March, days after the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine. This directive applies for one year, renewable. It can be extended for a third year, ie until March 2025, with the approval of the Council (Member States).