Icon
Come back

2 min

07 Aug. 2024

8999

Expired Ukrainian passport in Germany: what is the impact and what opportunities will be unavailable to Ukrainians?

For refugees
Documents
Germany
Expired Ukrainian passport in Germany: what is the impact and what opportunities will be unavailable to Ukrainians?

Recently it became known that Germany will not issue documents for Ukrainian men to travel abroad. Find out how this will affect their status in the country, what human rights activists advise, and what alternatives to obtaining documents exist

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad
Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad
GET


Germany's recent decision regarding male Ukrainian refugees with expired passports has caused a significant stir. The German federal state of Hesse was the first to officially announce that it would not issue German replacement passports to Ukrainian men of military age if their Ukrainian passports have expired. This decision could have serious consequences for many Ukrainian refugees. What are the consequences of the lack of documents, is it possible to travel outside Germany in this case, and what are the alternatives - we will tell you further in the article with reference to DW.

Which German states are accepting Ukrainians in August 2024? For up-to-date information on the camps, follow the link.

Hesse's decision to issue documents to refugees


The German federal state of Hesse was the first in the country to officially announce that it would not issue German passport replacements to Ukrainian men of military age. Hesse's Minister of the Interior Heike Hoffmann said that the general rule that will be applied by the foreign affairs offices in the various communities of Hesse will be that Ukrainian men have the opportunity to travel to Ukraine to obtain a passport and perform military service.

Reaction of officials and the German government's position on Ukrainian men


This approach of Hesse was supported by politicians from both the government and the opposition. Social Democrat MP Joe Weingarten called the decision "reasonable," noting that Ukrainians should fulfill their duties. Thorsten Fry of the opposition CDU/CSU added that "Ukraine needs these men" and that issuing replacement passports in Germany is not necessary.




Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok




In what cases can Ukrainians obtain a German travel document?


The German Federal Ministry of the Interior has explained that a replacement passport can only be issued if a citizen of another country is unable to obtain a document in his or her own country if the acceptable conditions are met, including military service.

What are the consequences of an expired passport for refugees in Germany and what are the alternatives?


In a commentary to the publication, the Ministry emphasized that an expired passport does not affect temporary protection under paragraph 24 of the Migration Act, as the protective status is not lost due to an expired passport.

The human rights organization ProAsyl, which defends the rights of refugees, also provided an explanation to DW, noting that an expired passport does not threaten the loss of the right to live, work and travel in Germany if a citizen has already received temporary humanitarian protection. However, they need a valid passport to travel outside Germany.

It is also noted that problems may arise if a person decides to register a marriage in Germany.

Human rights activists advise men who desperately need a document and are not ready to return to Ukraine to obtain a passport to ask the German authorities for a replacement document and, if they refuse, to try to achieve this through legal means.

By the way, Visit Ukraine lawyers are always ready to help citizens with migration issues of any complexity. An individual approach of professionals will help to deal with all the pitfalls in this difficult topic. You can order a specialist consultation by following this link.

We remind you! Ukrainians with temporary protection in Germany can visit Ukraine, however, in order not to lose their benefits, they must comply with the rules regarding the duration of the trip and some other requirements. Read what steps you need to take before leaving to preserve your social benefits and residence status in our previous article.


Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.






Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine


On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can get legal advice on migration law. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and, if necessary, help you collect, submit and receive the documents you need. You can order a specialist consultation or full legal support by following this link.



Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 


Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.




© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.

Frequantly

asked questions

Where in Germany are Ukrainians welcomed in 2024?

As of August 2024, several federal states of Germany are hosting Ukrainians. Among them: Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Berlin, Hessen, Schleswig-Holstein, North Rhine-Westphalia, Thuringia, and Saarland. However, each of them operates a limited number of camps and imposes certain conditions for accepting Ukrainians. For up-to-date information on the conditions of entry and accommodation for refugees, please visit Visit Ukraine.

How to obtain temporary protection in Germany in 2024?

How long does it take to fulfill Section 24 in Germany?

How long can I stay in Ukraine with German temporary protection?

How many years do I need to live in Germany to obtain citizenship?

Recommended articles

2 min

Work Employment conditions for Ukrainian refugees in Germany will be changed: how will this affect payments?

Employment conditions for Ukrainian refugees in Germany will be changed: how will this affect payments?

Germany has agreed on new conditions for paying unemployment benefits to Ukrainian refugees. Find out how the rules will change and what new requirements will be imposed on recipients of benefits

13 Jul. 2024

More details

2 min

For refugees Which German states have received the largest number of Ukrainians?

Which German states have received the largest number of Ukrainians?

Germany still ranks first in terms of the number of refugees from Ukraine. As of May 2024, more than 1.3 million Ukrainians were registered in the country. Find out which German states have received the largest number of Ukrainian refugees and where their concentration is highest

24 Jul. 2024

More details

2 min

Transport Environmental stickers in Germany: everything a driver needs to know

Environmental stickers in Germany: everything a driver needs to know

In Germany, there are special zones for low-emission vehicles that require an eco-sticker to drive through. Find out more about eco-friendly car stickers, where to buy them, and what areas they are required for

03 Aug. 2024

More details

2 min

Work Legalization of a Ukrainian medical diploma in Germany: a guide for doctors and cosmetologists

Legalization of a Ukrainian medical diploma in Germany: a guide for doctors and cosmetologists

At the moment, Ukrainian doctors who left for Germany as a result of the hostilities have some difficulties in obtaining a license, which has negative consequences for both them and the service sector in the country. The obstacle is the German bureaucracy, which, however, can be overcome by following a clear, legally prescribed algorithm.

10 Aug. 2024

More details