Temporary protection for Ukrainians extended: what this means for you
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On 30 July 2026, the European Union decided to extend the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) until 4 March 2028. New rules also apply to people with military obligations in Ukraine. Find out here what this means for you.
What does this extension of temporary protection mean?
In a
What does the new rule mean for Ukrainians subject to military service?
Ukrainians who are subject to military service obligations under Ukrainian law will no longer be granted temporary protection. In practice, this mainly applies to men, but the rule may also apply to other individuals subject to military service obligations.
The new rule applies only to new applications for temporary protection submitted on or after 5 August 2026.
What does this mean for conscripts who are already under temporary protection?
This rule does not apply to persons with military obligations who are already registered in the
When can you be granted temporary protection?
You can still be granted temporary protection if you can show that you left Ukraine legally, or that you are exempt from military service or have fulfilled your military obligations. You can prove this, for example, by providing:
An exit stamp in your passport showing that you have left Ukraine legally.
An official document issued by the Ukrainian authorities confirming that you are exempt from military service or that you have fulfilled your military obligations.
The IND decides whether you are entitled to temporary protection
The municipality is investigating whether or not you are entitled to TPD. If the municipality considers that you are liable for military service and have not yet fulfilled that obligation, the
If your application for temporary protection is rejected, it is very important that you keep the rejection letter (decision) in a safe place. You will need this letter if you decide to apply for asylum in Ter Apel, or to lodge an appeal against the rejection.
What can you do if you are not entitled to temporary protection?
If you are not entitled to temporary protection, there are several things you can do:
Please get in touch with the free
online consultation ofYou can always apply for asylum. Your case will be assessed on an individual basis, just like those of other refugees from other countries. Read more about this in
this article. You can return to Ukraine. Ask the IND for assistance from the
Read more about returning to Ukraine on this page.