European Commissioner for Internal Affairs, Ylva Johansson, announced this Monday (10) that the European Union (EU) has extended the temporary protection granted to Ukrainian refugees “at least until March 2024” due to the war launched by Russia.
The official said that 4.2 million Ukrainians can benefit from this status, which was granted for the first time by the EU, and that it gives them access to rights such as housing, the job market, the school system and social benefits.
“The provisional protection directive will continue to apply until at least March 2024,” said the Swedish commissioner.
Johansson said Monday morning’s bombings in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities “show how important it is that we continue to admit to the EU those who need to flee”.
The Commissioner assured Ukrainians who decided to return home that if the situation in Ukraine deteriorates, they will be able to return to the EU and regain their temporary protection status.
“We have decided that it will not be necessary to suspend temporary protection if you return to Ukraine. All you have to do is notify the national or local authorities of the host country that you are returning to Ukraine,” he said.
The Temporary Protection Directive – apart from the usual asylum procedure – was first activated by the EU in early March.
source: Noticias
