The government has introduced a 30-day emergency situation regime in the entire territory of Ukraine until April 24, 2020, in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Moreover, the nationwide quarantine has been extended to the same date. However, how will it affect foreigners who stay in Ukraine?
Now the passenger border crossing points are closed, air traffic with other countries is banned, except for the purpose of protecting national interests and fulfilling international obligations. As a result, a large number of foreigners had to stay in Ukraine. For this reason, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided an explanation regarding foreigners` possibility to leave Ukraine during the quarantine.
The Ministry informs that the procedure for consideration of such requests from foreign citizens has not been changed. Every foreigner must apply to the embassy of his/her country in Ukraine and notify their intention to leave Ukraine. In this case, the foreigner must justify the need for leaving Ukraine. The Ministry will consider each such application in cooperation with the embassy in order to make an optimal decision for both the foreigner and the interests of health security.
At the same time, it is worth reminding that the Law prohibits to punish foreigners who violate the stay rules because they were unable to leave Ukraine due to the quarantine measures in the country. This prohibition also applies to those foreigners who have been unable to contact the Migration Service of Ukraine in order to extend their stay in Ukraine and/or to exchange a temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit in Ukraine. All foreigners will be able to resolve their legal status issues within 30 days after the quarantine is over.
The State Migration Service of Ukraine emphasizes that mentioned provisions on foreigners` responsibility apply only to foreigners whose stay was legal as of 16 March 2020.
