The Ukrainian government has suspended consular services for military-age male nationals living abroad.

‌Key Points:

  • The new measure follows a recent mobilization law adopted by the Ukrainian parliament.
  • The affected individuals, male citizens ages 18 to 60, are currently unable to apply for passports or other travel documents, including renewals, at consular posts or authorized external providers.
  • Government officials stated that the decision temporarily suspends the acceptance of applications from men of military age who are abroad, and only for a limited period of time. According to officials, the restrictions are in place so that they can update their mechanisms for data confirmation, and once males of conscription age living abroad are able to confirm their data in accordance with the newly amended mobilization law, applications will be accepted.

Additional Information: According to the new mobilization bill, all military-age men will be required to obtain updated military registration papers. The government stated the goal is to modernize the obsolete mobilization legislation and update their systems with the latest information on all military-age men and their status. Once the data confirmation system is updated, individuals will likely have the option to register online without visiting military offices in Ukraine. Individuals who hold temporary protection status should be able to legally remain in their host country and maintain their status with an expired passport.

BAL Analysis: The new mobilization bill impacts Ukrainian nationals and will impact their status abroad. The practical implications of the law are still not fully determined, and the government says that they are working on implementing a new system that will allow for nationals to confirm their data digitally without the need to return to the country. BAL will continue following the situation and will provide updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.