Major changes are being prepared in France for Ukrainians who arrived after the outbreak of full-scale war. On 9 January 2025, Senator Nadia Sollogub, together with a group of French parliamentarians, submitted a bill to the Senate aimed at improving the temporary protection mechanism.
Read also: EU prepares decision to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians
This mechanism was introduced in the spring of 2022 on an emergency basis to receive refugees from Ukraine. Almost three years later, it has become apparent that the system is not adapted to long-term stay. Ukrainians face excessive bureaucracy, limited access to housing, healthcare, social support, and even the inability to obtain a French driving licence.
The draft law proposes to grant Ukrainians the status of “ordinary residents”, which would allow them to enjoy broader rights without having to apply for political asylum. It would also make it easier for them to return home when circumstances allow.
The authors of the document paid special attention to the recognition of professional qualifications, particularly in the fields of medicine and IT. It is also proposed to equate social benefits and living conditions with those received by low-income French citizens.
The initiative, according to the MPs, is not intended to “integrate forever” but to create conditions of stability for people who want to return to Ukraine but currently need support. The changes should also relieve the burden on French administrative services and ease the tension that has arisen due to the imperfections of the current mechanism.
Read also: The number of Ukrainian refugees in the EU has increased again
