The European Commission has launched a website to help inform Ukrainians who are fleeing the war in their country and are looking to seek shelter in the EU.
More than two million people have fled Ukraine since Russia launched an all-out offensive against the country on 24 February, with some arriving in neighbouring countries, and others in western European countries.
"Many more displaced people are on the move both inside and outside the country and are in need of shelter and basic information about their rights when coming to the EU," a Commission statement read.
To help these people, a webpage, which is currently only available in English but will soon become available in Ukrainian as well, has been set up containing information about crossing the border, eligibility for temporary protection and applying for international protection, as well as the rights of travel inside the EU.
We stand in solidarity with 🇺🇦 Ukraine. If you are fleeing the war in Ukraine and coming to the EU, you can find information about your rights on our new 🔗EU Stands by Ukraine website. Also info on how you can help if you are resident in the EU. ➞ https://t.co/7dpdNwQfUZ pic.twitter.com/vY5YOArdI8
— European Commission 🇪🇺 (@EU_Commission) March 9, 2022
All EU countries bordering Ukraine are currently admitting all refugees on humanitarian grounds, and last week, the Temporary Protection Directive, which will allow people fleeing the war in Ukraine will be given a residence permit, and gain access to education and to the labour market, was activated for the first time ever.
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State Secretary for Asylum and Migration Sammy Mahdi said that, due to the newness of this measure, many people arriving in Belgium are queueing up to register at a Brussels reception centre to register their presence, even though the directive gives them 90 days to do so.
Belgium also launched a website providing information for Belgians in Ukraine and Russia as well as for Ukrainians in Belgium and displaced people and for the country’s municipalities or citizens wishing to accommodate refugees.
