Ukrainian men in Estonia will not face deportation

The Estonian Interior Ministry has no plans to expel Ukrainian male refugees of conscription age to Ukraine. Anneli Viks, adviser to the Estonian Interior Ministry's citizenship and migration policy department, told the ERR news agency.

The Ministry of the Interior has no plan for forced repatriation of Ukrainian citizens legally residing in Estonia who fled because of the war, including Ukrainian citizens belonging to the target group of possible Ukrainian mobilisation," Anneli Viks said.

It is reported that currently 6,500 Ukrainian men aged 18-60 have residence permits in Estonia on the basis of temporary protection.

According to Anneli Viks, if Ukrainian citizens of conscription age can no longer exchange their expired Ukrainian passports for new ones, they will not be able to travel.

However, the absence of a valid document does not limit the possibility of applying for or extending a residence permit (including on the basis of temporary protection)," the Estonian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.

She said that the legislation also allows confirmation of identity on the basis of other evidence.

At the end of April, about 31 thousand refugees had valid residence permits in Estonia on the basis of temporary protection.

Earlier Socialportal reported that Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kerwiński said that the new version of the law on assistance to Ukrainians living in Poland will be presented in a few days. The new law will regulate the issues of Ukrainian men staying in the country.

At the same time, Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said that Poland would continue to protect refugees from Ukraine, which is valid until 30 June, regardless of the presence or absence of a Ukrainian passport.