The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted a law that eases visa requirements for foreign volunteers and humanitarian workers. The relevant bill was supported by 254 members of parliament, with none voting against it and one abstaining.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Key Changes for Foreign Volunteers
According to the new law, during the period of martial law in Ukraine and for one year after its conclusion, foreigners and stateless persons, with the exception of citizens of the Russian Federation, are exempt from the obligation to obtain a long-term visa for the issuance of a temporary residence permit. This applies to those who have come to Ukraine to work for registered foreign companies that are recipients of humanitarian aid, as well as those participating in international and regional volunteer programs or involved in the activities of organizations and institutions operating in accordance with the law on “Volunteer Activities.”
Simplification of Legalization of Stay
According to the text of the law, foreigners and stateless persons who entered Ukraine after February 24, 2022, and submitted an application for a temporary residence permit within 60 days from the date this provision comes into effect, are considered to be legally residing in Ukraine.
“They are considered to be temporarily residing in Ukraine on legal grounds.”
One of the authors of the bill, Member of Parliament Valeriy Zub, emphasized in the explanatory note that the standard procedure for obtaining a residence permit significantly complicates the legalization of the stay of foreigners and stateless persons in Ukraine. This is particularly relevant in conditions where experienced humanitarian workers are in high demand to provide professional assistance during the war.
The bill was submitted for parliamentary consideration in March 2025.