Ukraine and Spain have signed a readmission protocol: what does this mean for Ukrainians?

Ukraine and Spain have signed an implementation protocol on the readmission of persons residing illegally in the territory of both countries. Find out who the agreement applies to, what it entails, and how it affects Ukrainians in Spain

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Ukraine and Spain have signed an implementation protocol to the agreement between Ukraine and the European Community on the readmission of persons. The document was signed in Kyiv during an official meeting between Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and a Spanish delegation led by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gómez. This was reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Read also: Europe is stepping up the deportation of migrants — here’s what you need to know.

What does the readmission protocol entail?

Readmission is a mechanism for returning individuals who lack legal grounds to remain on the territory of a foreign state. The signed protocol establishes specific procedures for identifying such individuals and their organized return to their home countries.

“The implementation of the document will contribute to the development of good-neighborly relations between the parties, establish swift and effective procedures for identification, as well as the safe and organized return of individuals who do not comply with the rules of entry, exit, and stay on the territory of both states,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated in an official release.

The mechanism works both ways: Spain will return to Ukraine those Ukrainian citizens who have violated the rules of stay in the Kingdom, and Ukraine, in turn, will return Spaniards or individuals without legal status who have violated the rules of stay in Ukraine.

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Who does this agreement apply to?

The protocol primarily applies to those who:

● entered the territory of Spain or Ukraine without legal grounds;

● are staying in the country in violation of the terms or conditions of stay;

● do not have or have lost the right to legal residence.

Important: The agreement does not apply to those who are in Spain legally—on the basis of temporary protection, a residence permit, or a student or work visa. For people with legal status, this agreement poses no risks.

If you are unsure about the legality of your stay in Spain or want to clarify your immigration status—on the Visit Ukraine platform, you can get online consultation from an immigration lawyer.

Ukraine and Spain Deepen Cooperation in the Field of Security

The signing of the protocol is only part of the broader agenda of the meeting. Following the meeting, both ministers confirmed their readiness to further deepen cooperation in several areas: security, migration policy, personnel training, humanitarian support, and the implementation of modern technologies for the protection of the population.

This step fits into Ukraine’s overall trend of strengthening partnerships with EU countries on migration control and law enforcement cooperation—particularly relevant in the context of full-scale war and the mass forced displacement of Ukrainians.

We remind you! Spain has updated its immigration laws, which affect the employment and residence of foreigners. Read about which changes will affect Ukrainians, employment, visas, and family reunification starting in 2026.

Photo: prtperato / Freepik

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