On February 16, 2023, the Irish government announced the extension of a Temporary Protection program for individuals fleeing the war in Ukraine. As the initial Temporary Protection program was valid for only twelve months, the first set of permissions was set to expire on March 9, 2023. Under the terms of the announcement, the Temporary Protection program will be extended for an additional twelve months, to March 2024. Ireland’s move comes as the European Commission – the executive arm of the European Union – has extended its own Temporary Protection Directive through at least March 4, 2024.  Continue Reading Ireland Extends Temporary Protections for Ukrainian Nationals

The “Ukraine Crisis: Ten Key Questions” Q+A series focuses on the fast-evolving crisis in Ukraine with each episode concentrating on specific points of discussion. In this episode, Amy Jacks (Restructuring partner, London) asks Liz Stern (Global Head of Mobility and Managing Partner, Washington DC) ten key questions on mobility.

It provides you with a quick

Over the past two months, approximately 5 million Ukrainians have departed their homeland due to the escalating military conflict with Russia. Poland has received the majority of these individuals—taking in more than 2.8 million people according to the latest estimate from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Provisions to Welcome Ukrainians
To support the country’s humanitarian response, the Polish government adopted a series of amendments to the country’s immigration laws, including changes directly related to the influx of Ukrainians. The changes are expected to provide increased flexibility for Ukrainian nationals in terms of residence permits, work authorization and access to public benefits. In addition, the Polish government set up a dedicated website for Ukrainian citizens that provides detailed help on a range of issues—from how to obtain a national identification number (known as a PESEL), access support services such as legal aid and medical care, and obtain a three-year temporary residence permit to how to navigate traffic rules, participate in cultural activities, and change the language of the keyboard on a smartphone.Continue Reading Poland Expands Support for Ukrainians

Ukraine At A Glance Since 02/24/2022

3.8 Million – Number of People Fleeing Ukraine

6.5 Million – Number of People Displaced Internally in Ukraine

On March 24, 2022, the White House announced a new set of initiatives designed to address the humanitarian and economic impacts of the Ukraine-Russia crisis. According to a White House statement, the U.S. government will expand its refugee resettlement capabilities and other immigration pathways in order to facilitate the entry of up to 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing the conflict. The U.S. government will also provide more than $1 billion in new funding toward humanitarian assistance for those affected by the crisis, with a focus on securing food, water, shelter, medical supplies, and other vital forms of assistance. In addition, the White House announced that $320 million would be allocated toward democracy and human rights funding for Ukraine and neighboring countries.Continue Reading Ukraine: White House Announces New Humanitarian Measures

In the past three weeks (since February 24, 2022), approximately 3.5 million people have left Ukraine due to the Ukraine / Russia crisis, and many experts believe that number will continue to climb.  Among the issues employers need to address is support for employees trying to leave the country as well as resources for those that remain.  Mayer Brown’s Ukraine Crisis: Movement Options for People Departing Ukraine is an interactive resource for up-to-date information on the international community’s response to the movement of people from Ukraine.
Continue Reading Ukraine Crisis: Movement Options for People Departing Ukraine

Note:  Originally published on March 3, 2022, on Mayer Brown’s dedicated Ukraine Crisis Spotlight site.

The European Union (EU) passed a “Temporary Protection Directive” for Ukrainians and others fleeing the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The directive will provide immediate, temporary protection to these individuals. The provision is intended to be used in exceptional circumstances when the member states’ asylum systems would be overwhelmed by a mass influx of refugees.Continue Reading EU Welcomes Ukrainians Fleeing the Conflict