Swedish Migration Board
The current situation in Ukraine has led many people to seek refuge in various European countries. Recently, the EU decided that Ukrainian refugees would be covered by the EU’s mass evacuation directive, which was activated for the first time.
The current situation in Ukraine has led many people to seek refuge in various European countries.
The EU’s so-called mass evacuation directive was introduced in 2001 with the purpose of having a framework to activate during a massive influx of displaced persons from third countries. In early March, the EU countries agreed to activate the mass evacuation directive. This means, among other things, that refugees from Ukraine will be granted temporary residence permits in the EU for at least one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional two years.
The residence permit granted under the directive allows individuals access to the job market and the right to work. Additionally, the permit provides certain social protection, including limited healthcare. Children covered by the directive also have the right to attend school. The directive also enables individuals seeking protection to move freely within the EU, seek employment, and open bank accounts.
The residence permit applies to individuals who left Ukraine after February 24, 2022. These individuals must register with the Swedish Migration Agency, Situation in Ukraine - Swedish Migration Agency.