Creating the necessary conditions for the return of Ukrainians from abroad should be one of the key priorities of post-war reconstruction.

This was emphasized by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna during her participation in the III Forum on Migration Law.

Key messages from the Deputy Prime Minister’s speech:

• Despite the biggest migration crisis in Europe since the World War II, together with European partners we managed to provide asylum to our citizens. For the first time the EU has used the instrument of temporary protection with the possibility for Ukrainians to have access to education, healthcare, accommodation and employment. It has been agreed that this mechanism will be valid at least until March 2024;
• By attacking Ukraine’s critical infrastructure at the beginning of winter, the russians are trying to create a humanitarian crisis, sow panic among the population of Ukraine, in particular, to cause a new wave of migration. These plans of the russian federation will be destroyed on the battlefield and by our unity;
• Representatives of ministries and the Parliament, in close dialogue with international partners, are currently developing additional mechanisms to protect the rights and freedoms of Ukrainians;
• We are aware of the seriousness of the problem associated with the growth of cases of human trafficking and exploitation at work. It is important to inform Ukrainian citizens abroad about their rights, particularly the possibility of legal employment;
• I keep the issue of protection of Ukrainian children abroad under special control. All children from orphanages who temporarily moved to the EU countries are registered with the consular authorities.
• Today, more than ever, we feel that Ukraine is a part of a big European family. Unity, unprecedented social mobilization is a recipe for our resilience and victory over the aggressor.