The Spanish Migration Minister, Jose Luis Escriva, revealed that around 25,000 Ukrainian nationals have entered the country since February 24, when Russia invaded Ukraine.
The Minister also pointed out that many of the arrivals are staying with family or friends as the number of registrations remains relatively low to about 9,000 to 10,000 Ukrainians registering their arrival with competent authorities, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Just recently, the Spanish government has exceeded the 10,000 temporary protections cap for Ukrainians. Moreover, the Interior Ministry has recently announced that it has registered, processed, and granted about 10,260 refugees as of March 21.
“All the protections entail a residence permit and, for those of legal age, a work permit. In addition, by virtue of what is established by the General Directorate of Traffic, displaced persons who obtain temporary protection can legally use their driving licenses in Spain for at least one year,” the press release reads.
Ukrainian refugees arriving in Spain can request temporary protection at the reception and shelter centers approved by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration in Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid), in the City of Light in Alicante, and at the Fira de Barcelona, as well as in the 54 National Police points authorised for these procedures throughout Spain.
Furthermore, most applications for international protection by Ukrainian refugees have been filed in Madrid (2,751), followed by Valencian Community (1,788), Catalonia (1,252), and Andalusia (1206).
On March 9, the Spanish Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and Minister Luis Escriva signed the order for the urgent procedure of recognising temporary protection of Ukrainian refugees. This procedure aligns with the agreement reached on March 4 by the Council of Ministers of the Interior of the European Union, activating for the first time in history the European Temporary Protection Directive.
Moreover, the Norwegian Prime Minister recently announced his country is preparing to welcome over 100,000 citizens fleeing Ukraine due to the Russian invasion of the Eastern European country.
“That’s not the most probable outcome, but we must have plans and be prepared because it could happen,” PM Jonas Gahr Stoere said regarding the places of accommodation, as the nation plans to house refugees in sports arenas, warehouses, or even tents.
According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, UNHCR, about ten million Ukrainians have left the country, with more than two million reaching Poland while the rest are hosted in Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania.
SOURCE: Schengen Visa Info
