Until March 2024: EU will extend the protection mechanism for Ukrainian refugees for another year

Ylva Johansso, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs, said this in Brussels on Monday, October 10, Interfax reports.

The Temporary Protection Directive provides a number of rights to Ukrainians forced to leave the country due to Russian military aggression, including work, education, and medical care.

"This morning we woke up hearing bombs falling on Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv and other cities. This just shows how important it is to continue to support Ukraine and show solidarity with Ukrainians. Today we are talking about the EU support we provide to Ukrainian refugees as  in the EU and to those who would like to return home. So I have two announcements today. I want to announce that the Temporary Protection Directive has been extended until March 2024. What we saw this morning also makes it clear that we will continue  to welcome everyone who will have to go to the EU" - the European Commissioner announced.

Johansson made the second announcement for those Ukrainians who plan to return home. She said that because of "serious progress on the battlefield by the Ukrainians," the Putin regime is helplessly throwing bombs at Ukraine.

"When you decide to go to Ukraine, and then the situation unexpectedly changes, and you have to leave the country again, the EU will always accept you and continue to protect you" - the European Commissioner assured.

She explained that according to the rules, in the case of refugees returning from the EU for a long period, the refugee status ceases to be valid, and "formally, you are no longer covered by the Directive, and you must leave the register of the Temporary Protection Directive."

"But many refugees are afraid to get off the register because they might have to flee again, and we understand that. So we decided that you don't need to get off the register - you can keep the temporary protection documents that you  received. All you have to do is to inform the national or local authorities at your place of stay that you are returning to Ukraine. But you do not need to give your card and you can keep the registration" - Johansson said.