Immigration agency warns it may face more than 6,000 Ukrainian claims

The Directorate of Immigration fears it may have to process more than 6,000 applications for international protection from Ukrainians when their temporary protection expires, mbl.is reports. The agency warns that this could create a heavy workload and is calling for more funding.

The warning appears in the agency’s comments to parliament on a bill to amend immigration law. The bill would allow authorities to defer decisions on international protection applications for six years instead of five, in line with an EU decision to extend temporary protection related to the war in Ukraine until March 4, 2028.

When the six-year period ends, people covered by temporary protection can ask for their applications to be examined on their merits. The agency believes most may do so, potentially leaving it to process claims from more than 6,000 Ukrainians. Its protection and permits division is already under heavy pressure, and the resulting backlog could take a long time to clear.

The agency says the extension would postpone the problem and urges the authorities to prepare for the expected workload, including by providing more funding. It supports the bill’s aim of making it easier for people who have established roots in the country to apply for regular residence permits instead of remaining under temporary protection. The agency supports the bill’s other changes as well.