Refugees from Ukraine being readied for a voluntary return to their home country, supported by the EU
The European Union has announced plans to provide long-term visas for Ukrainian workers, students, and families, aiming to offer certainty and the ability to build a life in Europe.
According to the joint decision adopted by the interior ministers of EU member states, refugees from Ukraine can stay in Germany for up to six months, while the period is shorter in other EU countries. This decision includes familiarization trips, repatriation programs, and financial incentives.
The duration of such visits will be coordinated among all EU countries, ensuring a unified approach. It is not specified if the EU's long-term visas will be permanent or temporary, nor is the duration of the visas mentioned. However, the EU's long-term visas do not mention any restrictions or requirements for Ukrainian families.
To assist with documents, employment, and programs, information centres called Unity Hubs will be established in all EU countries. Brussels will fund these Unity Hubs, providing a supportive network for Ukrainian refugees.
The new plans, presented in Brussels by Denmark's Minister for Immigration and Integration, Kaare Dybvad Bek, are part of the EU's ongoing solidarity with Ukraine. It is not clear if the EU's long-term visas will be subject to any renewal or extension procedures.
The EU's solidarity extends beyond the long-term visas, as the member states have agreed on plans for the temporary return of Ukrainian refugees. These plans allow refugees to travel back to their homeland without losing their protection status, which has been extended until March 2027. Participants who voluntarily enroll in these programs will retain all housing, medical, and educational benefits provided under their protection status until their departure.
Since the start of the conflict in 2022, around 1.3 million refugees have arrived in Germany alone. Over 4.3 million Ukrainian citizens reside in the European Union as of now. The plan includes temporary return programs with financial support, although specific details about individual EU countries offering these programs are not provided in the available information.
The EU's long-term visas do not specify the specific benefits or conditions for students, workers, and families. It remains unclear if the visas will come with certain benefits or if there will be specific conditions for each group.
In a time of uncertainty, the EU's long-term visas offer a glimmer of hope for Ukrainian refugees seeking a stable future in Europe. The EU's solidarity with Ukraine remains unwavering, as shown by these new plans and the establishment of the Unity Hubs.
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