Increase in Refugees in Germany: How the Lifting of the Exit Ban Has Affected It

In Germany, the number of Ukrainians seeking refuge has increased after the lifting of the exit ban for men aged 18 to 22 in Ukraine. According to the German Ministry of the Interior, the number of Ukrainian refugees in the country has surged in May, August, and September.

The spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of the Interior stated that 'from about 100 per week before the new rules took effect to around 1000 per week currently.'

According to data from the 'Free' registration system, 7,961 Ukrainians were distributed in May, 11,277 in August, and 18,755 in September. Those seeking asylum in Germany are granted residency permits and the opportunity to access the labor market and social services.

Increase in Departures of Ukrainians Aged 18-22

In September, Polish border guards recorded a significant increase in the number of Ukrainians aged 18 to 22 entering Poland. Compared to the previous month, the number of such entries increased more than tenfold. There is also a noticeable increase in the number of those returning from Poland to Ukraine – an increase of 3.5 times.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky explained that the exit ban for men aged 18-22 aims to keep Ukrainian youth in the country, so parents would allow them to study peacefully.

Let us remember that the government updated the rules for crossing the state border, allowing men aged 18 to 22 to cross it during martial law. Since August 28, border guards have started allowing these categories to leave Ukraine.

Ukrainians are increasingly seeking protection abroad due to the lifting of the exit ban for youth aged 18-22. The number of Ukrainian refugees in Germany is growing rapidly, and there is also a noticeable increase in Ukrainians leaving for Poland. Ukrainian authorities emphasize that the ban was intended to retain youth in the country for peaceful studying; however, this initiative has sparked mass departures of Ukrainians abroad and increased interest in seeking asylum in other countries.