Massive Loss of Ukrainian Residential Rights for Thousands of Individuals
In Latvia, a significant number of Ukrainian refugees are at risk of losing their temporary protection status due to administrative revocations by the State Agency for Citizenship and Migration (PMLP). As of mid-2025, approximately 18,600 Ukrainians have had their status revoked.
The revocations are primarily due to the failure to meet specific requirements and procedural grounds. To renew or restore temporary protection status, affected Ukrainians must submit a complete and valid application with the necessary documentation as required by the PMLP.
Although the exact list of required documents is not detailed in the search results, typical requirements include proof of identity, proof of continued need for protection, and compliance with procedural deadlines. Guidance on how to apply, including necessary paperwork, is provided by Latvian authorities through official channels.
Temporary protection in the EU, including Latvia, is an emergency mechanism for Ukrainian refugees. Initially granted for one year and extendable up to a maximum of three years, it provides rights to stay, work, access housing, healthcare, and education. However, maintaining this status requires adherence to regulations and timely renewals, especially as the EU extended protection until March 2027, but requires beneficiaries to confirm their eligibility regularly.
Maira Roze, head of the PMLP, emphasized the importance of submitting documents for Ukrainian civilians residing in Latvia, as it relates to the possibility of receiving benefits and other services. The PMLP website provides detailed information on the process for submitting renewal applications in Ukrainian.
Despite initially setting a deadline of March 4 for the submission of renewal applications, the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Office extended the deadline until April 4 due to low activity levels. However, activity levels have remained low, leading to concerns about the status of the missing Ukrainian residents. It is likely that a proportion of these missing residents have left Latvia, and the whereabouts of 18,600 missing Ukrainian residents are unknown to the PMLP.
Ukrainian residents who have lost temporary protection status in Latvia are required to submit an application for the renewal of temporary protection status and request a residence permit. It is essential for these individuals to take action before the April 4 deadline to avoid losing their status and access to benefits and services.
Eurostat data shows that a total of 48,000 Ukrainians have gained protected status in Latvia since the start of Russia's war. Despite this, many Ukrainians are still at risk of losing their temporary protection status due to administrative revocations and low activity levels in the submission of renewal applications. It is crucial for Ukrainian residents in Latvia to stay informed and proactive in ensuring their status remains valid.
References: [1] State Agency for Citizenship and Migration (PMLP) website: https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/atbalsts-ukrainai-pidtrimka-ukraini-0 [2] European Commission: Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12574-Temporary-Protection-Directive-for-Ukrainians [3] European Parliament: Temporary Protection for Ukrainians: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/politics/20220317STO65456/temporary-protection-for-ukrainians-what-you-need-to-know
- The State Agency for Citizenship and Migration (PMLP) in Latvia has revoked the temporary protection status of approximately 18,600 Ukrainians due to administrative reasons, primarily non-compliance with specific requirements and procedural grounds.
- It is essential for Ukrainian residents in Latvia, who are at risk of losing their temporary protection status, to take immediate action and submit a complete and valid renewal application by the extended deadline of April 4.3.In light of the low activity levels in the submission of renewal applications by Ukrainian residents, it is crucial for them to stay informed and proactive to maintain their protected status,, as reflected in the data provided by Eurostat, which shows that a total of 48,000 Ukrainians have gained protected status in Latvia since the start of Russia's war.
