Armenian National Faces Deportation After 18 Years of Illegal Residence in Ukraine

Armenian Citizen Discovered in Ukraine

According to Главком: An Armenian citizen has been discovered in the Zakarpattia region, having lived in Ukraine without legal authorization since 2008. The man entered the country that year but subsequently lost his Armenian passport and made no attempt to legalize his status or obtain a residence permit. Consequently, he remained outside the legal framework for nearly 18 years.

An administrative protocol was filed against him, resulting in a fine of 5,100 hryvnias under Part 2 of Article 203 of Ukraine's Code of Administrative Offenses. As reported by the State Migration Service of Ukraine:

"For violating the rules of stay in Ukraine, the foreigner was held administratively liable under Part 2 of Article 203 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses and fined 5,100 hryvnias." - State Migration Service

Following this, the individual was placed in a temporary holding facility for foreigners and stateless persons, where he will remain until all procedures are completed and he is deported. This case highlights the ongoing challenges of migration management, even during wartime.

Shifts in Ukraine's Migration Policy

In a related development, the Ukrainian government has reinstated standard validity limits for foreign passports, which had been suspended at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. The Verkhovna Rada has also amended the rules for processing 1994-series passports:

• All entries will now be made exclusively in the state language, without duplication in Russian.
• Applications for ID cards and foreign passports can be submitted at units of the State Migration Service, Administrative Services Centers, or 'Passport Service' centers.

This service is available for adults and children under 14, including cases where old documents were lost or stolen. These policy adjustments are part of broader efforts to streamline bureaucracy and assert national identity.

The discovery of a foreign national who lived undocumented in Ukraine for so long underscores the critical importance of complying with migration regulations. According to recent legislative changes, the government is attempting to strengthen oversight of foreigners' presence in the country, signaling a drive to improve migration policy. Simultaneously, the modifications to passport procedures and the reinstatement of standard restrictions may simplify the legalization process for those wishing to reside in Ukraine lawfully.

This incident underlines the complexities of migration regulations, especially as countries like Poland are also tightening their policies. Recently, new departure deadlines for foreign nationals were introduced, reflecting a broader trend in Europe to manage immigration more stringently. Understanding these changes is crucial for anyone navigating the current landscape of international travel and residency.