On March 4, 2022, the European Union activated the Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC).

Who is eligible for temporary protection in Malta?

The Council's decision applies to the following categories of persons displaced from Ukraine on or after February 24, 2022, following the invasion of the Russian armed forces
a) citizens of Ukraine who resided in Ukraine before February 24, 2022;
b) stateless persons and citizens of third countries other than Ukraine who enjoyed international protection or similar national protection in Ukraine before February 24, 2022;
c) family members of the persons referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b). In case the family has already been and resided in Ukraine before February 24, 2022, the following are considered family members
- the spouse of a person referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b), or an unmarried partner in a stable relationship;
- minor unmarried children of the person referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b), or children of his or her partner, regardless of whether they were born in or out of wedlock or adopted;
- other close relatives who were living together as a family at the time of the circumstances related to the massive influx of displaced persons, who at that time were fully or mainly dependent on the person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).

It is important to note that the responsibility for establishing the right to temporary protection in accordance with the Council Implementing Decisions lies with third-country nationals/stateless persons. If the persons concerned cannot provide evidence that they fall within the above target groups, they cannot be granted temporary protection. The above does not preclude the possibility of applying for international protection to the International Protection Agency.

What rights do the holders of this status have?

In accordance with the provisions of the Temporary Protection Directive, holders of this status are entitled to
- residence permit
- access to the labor market and housing;
- social assistance
- medical care (including, at a minimum, emergency care and treatment of major diseases);
- access to education for children and adolescents.

How long will temporary protection last?

The EU Council has extended temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine until 04.03.2026

What is the procedure for obtaining temporary protection in Malta?

To register for temporary protection in Malta, you need to make an appointment by contacting the International Protection Agency at the email address below: frontoffice@ipa.gov.mt

After that, you will be given an appointment to come with your family members, if any, to the International Protection Agency's premises with all the necessary documents listed above. Usually, the appointment is scheduled within two weeks from the date of contacting the International Protection Agency. However, the time frame may vary depending on the Agency's workload.

On the day of the appointment, the competent staff of the International Protection Agency will review your request to determine whether you are eligible for temporary protection. If it is determined that you are eligible for temporary protection, you will be issued the following documents
- a decision to grant temporary protection;
- a certificate of temporary protection, which will indicate your status as a person under temporary protection. In general, the decision and the temporary protection certificate will be issued on the day of the appointment.

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What documents will you receive as a person under temporary protection?

Once you are granted temporary protection, the International Protection Agency will issue a certificate of temporary protection, which entitles you to apply to the Identity Malta Agency for a residence permit. A residence permit is a card with biometric data that is required to confirm the legality of residence in Malta, as well as to receive all available services.

The application for a residence permit must be submitted in person at the Malta Identity Agency office in Hal-Far.
Address: Identity Malta, International Humanitarian Protection and SRA Office, Hal Far Hanger, Hal Far, BBG3000
Phone: +356 25904841
E-mail: intl.protection.ima@gov.mt

The office is open from Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 12:30. You can come without an appointment or choose a specific date, which you will receive an email from noneu.ima@gov.mt To fill out an application at the Malta Identification Agency office, you must provide the relevant documents.

Your documents will be accepted and verified, your photo will be taken and your fingerprints will be taken, and then you will be issued a certificate with the number of your official residence permit. You can use this certificate to obtain any services until your residence permit is ready. When your residence permit is ready, you will receive a letter from the Malta Identification Agency.

More information can be found on the Malta Identification Agency's Foreigners' Department website here.

Social security for temporarily displaced Ukrainian citizens

In accordance with the provisions of the Temporary Protection Directive, status holders will be entitled to receive:
- residence permit
- access to the labor market and housing;
- social assistance;
- medical care (including, at a minimum, emergency care and treatment of major diseases)
- access to education for children and adolescents.

Contacts of the International Protection Agency in Malta:

(+356) 2125 5257 For appointments: frontoffice@ipa.gov.mt For inquiries: info.ipa@ipa.gov.mt

Possibility of extending temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens

To apply for an extension of the temporary protection certificate for Ukrainians in Malta until March 4, 2026, you need to make an appointment by sending an email to frontoffice@ipa.gov.mt.
On the day of the appointment, the Ukrainian will need to present the certificate of temporary protection to be replaced.

What should I do if my passport expires?

If your passport expires, you should apply to the consular section of the Embassy of Ukraine in Italy with a request to extend its validity.

What are the rules for crossing the border with pets for Ukrainians?

Pets transported from Ukraine do not require a serological test for rabies antibody titers and can enter without a prior individual application for a permit. Transport companies (air or ferry) and customs officers will notify the Veterinary Regulation Authority (VRA) of the arrival and number of pets originating from Ukraine. The VRA will ensure that these animals are quarantined for the required period and carry out the necessary procedures free of charge.