The migration crisis in Europe is leading to stricter rules for refugees and significant changes in the legislation of various EU countries. Find out how the new restrictions will affect Ukrainians and what you need to know about the temporary protection program in 2025

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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The European Union is facing an unprecedented migration crisis that is forcing member states to reconsider their policies on refugees and migrants. Recent developments related to rising crime and social tensions are prompting European states to take decisive action. Which countries are tightening controls and how the general change in the rules may affect Ukrainians - we will analyze further in the article.

Germany is tightening control due to rising crime

Germany, which has taken in more than 3.5 million refugees in total, has faced serious challenges. After a series of high-profile crimes, including the tragic incident in Solingen where a Syrian man killed three people, anti-migrant sentiment in the country has increased significantly.

Major changes in German migration policy:

● Increased number of deportations for crimes committed;

● Revision of permits to carry weapons;

● Strengthening border control;

● Planning for the possibility of denying asylum directly at the border.

Poland and Finland: radical measures at the borders

Finland has already closed its border with russia to third-country migrants, despite criticism from the EU. The law, which is valid until the summer of 2025, allows for asylum denial directly at the border.

Poland, following Finland, announced stricter border controls. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated the need for full control over migration flows due to abuses by smugglers and human traffickers. In addition, the government announced a new migration policy for 2025, which provides for significant changes in the admission and legalization of foreigners in the country.

France and the Netherlands: new restrictions for migrants

France has approved a new immigration law that significantly restricts the rights of migrants. Interior Minister Bruno Retaillot emphasizes the priority of protecting the population. In addition, the country has introduced temporary border controls.

The Netherlands introduces the most stringent conditions:

● Increasing the period for obtaining a permanent residence permit from 5 to 10 years

● Restrictions on the right to family reunification

● Possibility of forced deportation of illegal migrants

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What will change for Ukrainians in 2025 due to the new European migration policy?

In general, the tightening of migration policy in the EU will not dramatically affect Ukrainian refugees. After all, Ukrainians enjoy the mechanism of temporary protection and retain a special status at least until March 2026.

However, it should be borne in mind that certain changes are taking place. And the vast majority of countries have already begun to revise the rules for staying and receiving social assistance. The main changes include:

● Reducing the amount of assistance in some countries;

● Stricter employment requirements, in particular to encourage Ukrainians to provide for themselves;

● Changes in living conditions (for example, in Ireland and Poland).

In addition, some countries, such as Hungary and Norway, have begun to deny protection or free housing to Ukrainians who come from relatively safe regions or other EU countries.

How to secure your future in the EU?

First of all, Ukrainians planning to stay in Europe in 2025 should pay attention to the following aspects:

● The right to residence, employment, and medical care is preserved;

● The need for economic independence is increasing;

● Funding for professional retraining programs is increasing.

For successful integration, Ukrainians are recommended to:

1. Actively seek employment and develop professional skills

2. Learn the language of the host country

3. Confirm your qualifications

4. Consult with migration lawyers regarding long-term stay

You can get professional legal advice on migration issues on the Visit Ukraine portal. Our specialists specialize in helping Ukrainian citizens in the EU countries in various issues: from legalization and obtaining the necessary documents to employment and business relocation abroad. We will help you deal with all aspects of legal stay, employment and long-term residence permits. Contact Visit Ukraine lawyers for an individual consultation.

We remind you! Migration trends among Ukrainians, in particular with the aim of changing the country of temporary protection, are increasing, as the conditions of stay and financial assistance are changing. Read which countries provide repeated temporary protection in 2024 and what is needed to move in our previous article.

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