Lithuania extends protection for Ukrainian refugees until 2028

Lithuania’s government has extended temporary protection for people who fled the war in Ukraine until March 4, 2028, LRT reported Wednesday.

The Cabinet approved an Interior Ministry proposal to extend the protection for another year. It also introduced a new condition for some applicants: people subject to military service in Ukraine must provide evidence that they have fulfilled their obligation.

The requirement will not apply to people who were granted temporary protection in any European Union member state before August 4 and have held that status continuously. It will also not apply to people who applied for protection in Lithuania before that date if a decision had not yet been made.

The Interior Ministry said proof could include evidence of legally crossing the Ukrainian border when leaving the country, an exit stamp in a passport, or an official document confirming that a person has completed military service or is exempt from it.

Temporary residence permits issued or renewed on the basis of protection will be valid until March 4, 2028. The Migration Department receives 30 to 40 new applications for such permits each day, the ministry said. As of September 6, 52,052 people held valid permits.

Permits had previously been valid until March 4, 2027. The ministry said extending their validity would reduce the administrative burden for both foreign nationals and the Migration Department.

The EU introduced temporary protection for people fleeing the war in Ukraine in March 2022. The EU Council decided in July to extend it until March 4, 2028.