Visit Ukraine - Estonia has banned the granting of asylum to men of military age from Ukraine - EUROPE SAYS
Europe is changing the rules for providing support to Ukrainian refugees: the status has been extended through 2028, but Estonia is no longer granting it to men subject to military service. Find out exactly. . .
Europe is changing the rules for providing support to Ukrainian refugees: the status has been extended through 2028, but Estonia is no longer granting it to men subject to military service. Find out exactly who will be affected by the new restrictions and what will happen to the documents of those who are already abroadAn insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside UkraineGETThe Estonian government has made an important decision regarding Ukrainian refugees. The aid program will continue, but the conditions for obtaining asylum in Europe are changing—this will primarily affect men of draft age. Which men will no longer be granted temporary protection in Europe?Under the new rules—which were initially proposed by the European Commission and have now been endorsed by Estonia—access to asylum will be denied to a specific category of citizens. If, under Ukrainian law, a man is prohibited from leaving the country due to military service obligations, he is no longer eligible for temporary protection. This means that new applicants who are subject to military service will be denied this status. What will happen to those who have already been granted this status in Estonia?This is the main fear of many refugees, but the government has provided a clear answer: the law is not retroactive. The changes will in no way affect those Ukrainians who have already been granted temporary protection. If you are already in the EU, your status will remain valid under the previous terms. You will continue to be able to live, work, enroll your children in school, and receive medical care legally. The new restrictions apply exclusively to those who are just planning to submit their applications. Don’t want to miss important updates and useful articles?Subscribeto our weekly newsletter!Extension of Temporary Protection for Ukrainians Until 2028For all other categories of refugees, the news is good—the term of temporary protection is planned to beextended until March 4, 2028. Estonian Minister of the Interior Igor Taro explained this decision by noting that many Ukrainians simply have nowhere to return to. As long as Russia continues to occupy territories and shell civilian infrastructure, people need certainty about their future. Extending the program gives refugees the opportunity to live and work in peace and safety until the war ends. The Estonian government added that about 4. 4 million Ukrainians are currently benefiting from temporary protection in the European Union. European countries have yet to develop a joint action plan for when the war ends. They will need to decide how to help people return to their homeland or legalize their status in Europe on other grounds. However, as Minister Taro candidly acknowledged, it is still too early to seriously discuss such plans, since no one can predict when the hostilities will end. When living abroad, it is important to arrange coverage for medical expenses in advance, as the scope of public services varies by country and an individual’s status. On Visit Ukraine, you canpurchase health insurance for Ukrainians abroadthat covers emergency treatment, hospitalization, and other expenses specified in the policy. Before purchasing, check the policy’s coverage area, the coverage limit, the list of exclusions, and the procedure for filing a claim. Reminder! Estonia is a country close to Ukrainians in terms of mindset and cultural traditions, and is known worldwide for its support of military refugees. Find outhow to emigrate to Estonia in 2026, including obtaining international protection status, employment, and education. Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in theNewssection. Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:Visit Ukraine Insurance– insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;Green Card– compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;Visit Ukraine Tickets– book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;Private Lawyer service– professional legal support on visa and migration issues;Visit Ukraine Merch– buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery. © 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine. All rights reserved. Frequantlyasked questionsCan a man from Ukraine receive temporary protection in Europe?Yes, but the rules depend on your status and the laws of the specific country. If a man crossed the border legally (for example, as the father of a large family, a person with a disability, or an accompanying person), he is entitled to protection. However, EU countries are gradually introducing restrictions on men subject to military conscription who are prohibited from leaving Ukraine: they may be denied new documents. Can Ukrainians subject to military conscription be deported from the EU?Currently, European Union laws do not provide for the forced deportation of citizens to perform military service in their home country. European leaders have repeatedly emphasized that they will not forcibly return people. However, countries may restrict social benefits, consular services, or deny new statuses. Until what year will temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees be extended?The European Commission has proposed extending temporary protection status for Ukrainians until March 4, 2028. EU countries are currently approving this decision in stages at the national level to ensure people can stay legally and have access to work.