Countries in the European Union have implemented a measure to allow Ukrainians fleeing the war immediate leave to stay in the bloc for up to one year without needing a visa. 

EU grants Ukrainians leave to stay for up to 1 year

At a special meeting held on Thursday, EU interior ministers agreed to apply the Temporary Protection Directive to Ukrainians who want to seek refuge in EU countries. Since 2017, Ukrainians have been able to stay in the bloc for up to 90 days without needing a visa, but the directive now means that any Ukrainian citizen can stay within the EU or Schengen zone for up to a year without applying for a visa or asylum. 

It applies to both those who have already arrived in Europe and those who will arrive in the coming days, weeks and months. The directive also grants them the right to work and for children to access education like primary and secondary schools and higher education. 

First Ukrainian refugees have already arrived in Germany

Shortly after the meeting, Ylva Johnsson, EU Home Affairs Commissioner, tweeted, “Historic decision - the EU will give temporary protection to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The EU stands united to save lives!” 

The UN High Commission for Refugees estimates that 1 million Ukrainians have already fled the country, and more are expected to leave as the Russian invasion increases in ferocity. The first Ukrainian refugees have already arrived in Berlin, where they were welcomed by German police and volunteers wearing Ukrainian flags.