Ukraine refugees: guidelines to support Member States in applying Temporary Protection Directive

The European Commission has published a set of detailed guidelines to support EU Member States in applying the Temporary Protection Directive to help people fleeing war in Ukraine.

The Directive became immediately applicable on 4 March and now offers immediate protection and a clear legal status to millions of Ukrainian refugees.

Based on questions from Member States, the guidelines will help those arriving to have a consistent and effective level of rights and the Member States to assume their new responsibilities. 

“The unprecedented decision to grant immediate protection to all those who call Ukraine their home is now being translated into practice,” said the EU’s Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas. “To help make this process as smooth as possible, the Commission is supporting Member States with operational guidance.”

Guidelines to Member States

The guidelines are intended as a living document to reflect the situation on the ground and take due consideration of the evolving needs of the Member States. The main elements include:

• Clarifying who is entitled to temporary protection.
• Specifying the type of evidence needed to benefit from temporary protection.
• Children, in particular provisions for unaccompanied children and teenagers, and full access to education, healthcare, psychosocial assistance, etc.
• Guidelines on specific rights : a residence permit should serve as a document to prove someone’s status with other authorities, such as employment offices and services, schools, hospitals. 
• Guidelines to ensure free movement both before and after issuance of residence permits.

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Press release