Temporary Protection in the EU Through 2028: What Restrictions Might Be Imposed on Ukrainian Men of Draft Age

The European Commission plans to amend the conditions for granting temporary protection to Ukrainians. Some men of draft age may lose the ability to automatically obtain this status in EU countries. Learn more about the new conditions for temporary protection in the EU and exactly who will be affected by the restrictions

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

GET CONSULTATION

The European Commission has proposed extending temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens in the European Union until March 4, 2028. At the same time, the proposed changes include significant restrictions for a certain category of men.

We explain below exactly who might lose their right to automatic protection and under what conditions.

Need help with migration issues?

Get professional support from Visit Ukraine lawyers!

Who is affected by the new restrictions on temporary protection in the EU?

The proposed changes target men of conscription age who arrive in EU countries after the new rules take effect. The key criterion will be whether or not they have official confirmation of their right to leave Ukraine.

A man will be eligible for temporary protection in the EU provided that he:

• is not subject to current military restrictions on leaving Ukraine;
• has official permission to travel abroad.

In the absence of such confirmation, temporary protection under the new rules will generally not be granted.

Can you travel after the 90-day visa-free period ends? — we explain here.

Will the changes affect those already in the EU?

The restrictions do not apply to Ukrainians who have already been granted temporary protection status in one of the EU member states. The European Commission’s proposal applies exclusively to those who arrive after the updated rules take effect. The main goal of the initiative is to maintain support for existing beneficiaries of protection while taking into account Ukraine’s defense needs.

About IDP benefits in 2026 — read more in this article.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Will men be able to apply for asylum?

The formal right to apply for asylum will remain in place for all categories of individuals. However, the asylum procedure differs fundamentally from the temporary protection mechanism: it involves an individual review of each case and does not guarantee automatic granting of status.

Currently, the European Commission’s proposal must undergo the approval process at the EU level. The new rules will take effect only after the decision is officially adopted and published. Until then, the current procedure for granting temporary protection remains unchanged.

Changes in EU migration policy could significantly affect the legal status of Ukrainians abroad. The immigration lawyers at the Visit Ukraine portal can help you navigate the nuances of temporary protection, the asylum process, and other legal options for staying in the EU.

Submit a request on the Visit Ukraine website to receive professional advice!

Reminder! In a previous article, we reported that the “Home” platform for Ukrainians abroad was launched in Ukraine.

Photo: Magnific

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

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.

© 2018-2026, 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.