Employers Urged to Act Now on Staff Reservations Before February 1st Deadline

Guidance for Employers on Staff Reservations

According to ХВИЛЯ: Employers are strongly advised to renew employee reservations before February 1st to prevent the risk of mobilization during a transitional period. This urgency stems from the imminent expiration of 'critical enterprise' status for many companies. After February 1st, applications to cancel a reservation can only be submitted once every five days, which will significantly complicate the management of the process. Furthermore, the expedited reservation procedure, which allows completion within 24 hours, will only be available until February 1st. These changes are part of ongoing adjustments to Ukraine's mobilization laws in response to the ongoing war.

The Critical Need for Prompt Action

Given these impending changes, experts recommend that employers act without delay. Where possible, they should cancel an existing reservation and apply for a new one if a fresh 'critical enterprise' decision has already been received. According to the new rules, Clause 29 of the reservation procedure allows for uninterrupted re-reservation after February 1st without the 72-hour waiting period. However, the technical implementation of this seamless process on the 'Diia' portal after that date remains uncertain.

“There are instances where a summons or even a search notice from the Territorial Recruitment Center appears immediately after a reservation expires. It is crucial to note that an employee who is already listed as wanted cannot be re-reserved.”

Tetiana Donets, Reservation Procedures Expert

She also emphasized that 'changes to the reservation procedure were made in December, introducing an expedited process taking up to 24 hours. However, the Cabinet of Ministers has determined that this fast-track procedure will only be valid until February 1st.' Donets advises against postponing a decision: 'It is unknown whether employees can be reserved without the 72-hour wait after February 1st. Therefore, we strongly advise you to take the risk and, if you already have a new critical status decision, do not wait. Cancel the current reservation and re-reserve under the new critical status.'

This development underscores the vital importance of employers responding promptly to legislative changes concerning the reservation of employees liable for military service. With reservation terms and procedures subject to significant alteration, companies should actively monitor the situation and adapt their workforce management strategies to avoid the negative consequences associated with mobilization. Experts recommend using the options currently available to ensure the operational stability of their businesses moving forward.