Immigration Update:
Ukraine Crisis
The conflict in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian and immigration crisis. Fragomen is closely monitoring the situation, and we fully understand the need for considered and timely action. This kind of crisis requires careful and sensitive handling, and our aim is to provide up-to-date immigration insights and guidance.
Initial Considerations
The situation in the European countries directly bordering Ukraine is rapidly developing, and concessions have been made at the European borders with Ukraine to ensure that entry is facilitated and not slowed down by red tape.
Additional Practical Steps and Considerations
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Individuals fleeing the Ukraine war can claim Temporary Protection Status in all European Union countries that grants a residence permit and access to social rights, including the right to work (with labour market testing in some countries), health care and schooling. This status will grant the same rights in all EU member states, but the processes will differ country by country. Fragomen is tracking all processes here.
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Ukrainian citizens do not require an entry visa for tourism or business visits in over 65 countries, which can facilitate onward travel.
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Click here to download a simplified list of select destination jurisdictions into which Ukrainians require a visa and into which they do not. Please remember that in practice, entry requirements vary by jurisdiction, and visa requirements for Ukrainians are subject to sudden change as the situation evolves. Also, visitors are typically required to show that they have return or onward travel plans, so Ukrainians may be subject to heightened scrutiny on this point when seeking to enter a country as a visitor.
- In most cases, visitors are not permitted to work, so consider whether you should prioritise countries where an individual or their family can enter as a visitor and apply for a longer term immigration status in-country
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Work permit rules, including where switching after entry as a visitor, are complex and countries are introducing concessions for Ukrainians every day. Please contact Fragomen for further assistance.
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Lastly, remember to review our Spotlight page on COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements, as they may apply to Ukrainian nationals seeking entry.
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Ensuring Regional Business Continuity
An increasing concern for businesses navigating the evolving crisis is relocating employees from Russia and other countries in the region due to employee requests or concerns about ongoing business continuity.
The United States, the European Union, other European countries and Canada have closed their airspace to Russian flights, causing delays in travel routes. In addition, a limited number of European countries have temporarily suspended new visa issuance in Russia and Belarus, and special visa facilitation programs for Russian citizens have been suspended.
The situation is extremely fluid. Visa suspensions for Russian citizens and further closed airspaces for Russian flights are possible.
- Download our one-page information sheet on navigating business continuity concerns in light of the crisis.
- Click here to download a simplified list of select destination jurisdictions into which Russians require a visa and into which they do not. Please remember that in practice, entry requirements vary by jurisdiction, and visa requirements for Russians are subject to sudden change as the situation evolves. Also, visitors are typically required to show that they have return or onward travel plans, so Russians may be subject to heightened scrutiny on this point when seeking to enter a country as a visitor.
- Check our Immigration Alerts for the latest developments and contact airlines for the latest on available air travel options.
Other Employer Resources
- Download our Ukraine Crisis FAQ - General Considerations here.
- Downloadable email template that employers can use to communicate with their employees who are concerned about friends and family in Ukraine or Russia.
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Ukraine Crisis Webinar Recording
- For more information on crisis management and how Fragomen can assist, please download our one-page information sheet on the Ukraine crisis.
More Information
- Please see the Related Insights to the right or visit our Immigration Alerts page for the latest developments in immigration rules or processes.
- Also, remember to check our Spotlight page on COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. Some countries have eased COVID-19 related restrictions for Ukrainians seeking entry, but in many countries, COVID-19 requirements will continue to impact travel options.
If you have questions or require further information, please contact [email protected].