Bill No. 13071
Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has passed Bill No. 13071, introducing a temporary relaxation of visa requirements for international volunteers and humanitarian personnel. This measure is designed to facilitate their entry and work in Ukraine during the ongoing war and for one year following its conclusion. The new law allows specific categories of foreigners and stateless persons entering Ukraine for volunteer or humanitarian work to obtain a temporary residence permit without first securing a long-term visa. This legislative move is part of Ukraine's broader effort to streamline international support during its defense against Russia's full-scale invasion.
The law's provisions explicitly do not apply to citizens of the Russian Federation. Its primary objective is to simplify the arrival process for foreign volunteers and staff of humanitarian organizations providing critical assistance to the country during the armed conflict. These changes aim to actively encourage and sustain vital humanitarian operations within Ukraine amidst the current challenging socio-political landscape.
Significance of the Legislation
The adoption of this law represents a crucial step in bolstering volunteer efforts and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, a need that is especially acute under wartime conditions. By easing visa rules, Ukraine hopes to attract more international experts and volunteers willing to help address the consequences of the conflict and improve the humanitarian situation on the ground. This also underscores Ukraine's commitment to facilitating external support during a period of immense national hardship.
The legislation permits certain categories of foreigners to obtain a temporary residence permit without needing a long-term visa.