Today’s news / Changes under way for Ukrainian refugees
The government is making a number of adjustments to the special law for Ukrainians who have fled the war in Ukraine, according to Minister for Immigration and Integration Kaare Dybvad Bek. Photo: Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau Scanpix

Changes under way for Ukrainian refugees

The Danish Parliament passed a special law some 18 months ago that allowed Ukrainians escaping Russia’s war with Ukraine to gain residency permits in Denmark. Recognising that there are a number of gaps in the special law and that the war may not end anytime soon, the government intends to make a number of changes to the existing rules. “We must continue to take responsibility for the displaced people from Ukraine who have come to Denmark. Therefore, the government wants to correct a number of the challenges that we have become aware of since the special law came into force,” says Minister for Immigration and Integration Kaare Dybvad Bek in a press release.
     Among other things, this will benefit the Ukrainian women who are in Denmark with their children, while their spouse is still in their home country and participating in the war against Russia. Until now, they have been paid cash benefits as being married. In future, however, they will be able to receive the higher benefit granted to single parents. Similarly, there are a number of children in Denmark whose parents are still in Ukraine. They are supported by other displaced Ukrainians who, however, have so far been unable to receive allowances for dependent children. But that is also changing. Finally, the rule has so far been that municipalities have had to take over responsibility for Ukrainians referred to them within four days. That deadline has proved to be too short. Therefore, municipalities will in future have a deadline of up to 15 days to find a place to live for newly arrived Ukrainians. /ritzau/