Ukrainian Family in Norway Waits a Year for Embassy to Register Their Children

Ukrainian Embassy in Oslo Faces Criticism Over Family's Case

According to Главком: A Ukrainian priest, Andrii Pinchuk, who is raising 14 children-11 of them adopted-has been locked in a year-long dispute with the Ukrainian Embassy in Norway. The family's attempts to officially register the children with the consulate were met with silence for twelve months, and a mailed package of documents was lost. Consular registration is a key step for citizens abroad to access services and confirm their status. According to Ukrainian law, embassies have just 30 days to process such applications, a deadline that was not met in this instance.

When the family finally secured an appointment, embassy staff informed them that a fee waiver had been revoked, forcing them to pay two bills totaling approximately $88. Pinchuk stressed that, under Article 20 of Ukraine's 'On Demographic Registry' law, the embassy had no legal right to demand this consular fee.

Hoping for a Resolution

The family resorted to waiting outside the embassy doors in Oslo, hoping for assistance.

"We are sitting. We are waiting. We hope that the esteemed ambassador, after he rests and sleeps tomorrow morning, will find time to meet our family, understand our situation, do what he is obligated to do, and return the illegally obtained funds," stated Andrii Pinchuk.

Following media reports on the situation, Ukraine's Ambassador to Norway, Oleksii Gavrysh, became involved. He personally visited the family and invited them to the embassy to discuss the problem. Pinchuk noted the communication was warm and that the situation may have initially been unclear. Both parties agreed to a further review of the family's appeal.

This case underscores the critical need for efficient consular services overseas, especially concerning children. The embassy's eventual response and willingness to engage may indicate a desire to resolve the issue and improve communication with Ukrainian citizens abroad. This incident could serve as a catalyst for refining the work of Ukraine's consular institutions both domestically and internationally.