The Ministry of Internal Affairs has regulated a new procedure for obtaining passports for men abroad

Oksana15.02.2025

0 154 2 minutes read

Obtaining passports by Ukrainians abroad is an issue that causes significant resonance in society, especially among men of military age. After changes in the legislation, which limited the possibility of issuing documents for men aged 18 to 60 outside the country, many found themselves in a difficult situation. The lack of a valid passport meant problems with legal stay abroad, the impossibility of traveling or receiving administrative services. That is why the decision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to streamline the procedure for issuing passports became an important step.

Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko on February 14 reported, that the government settled the issue of issuing passports to Ukrainians living abroad. Men between the ages of 18 and 60 who submitted documents by April 25, 2024 through the State Enterprise “Dokument” will be able to receive their manufactured passports as early as next week.

The issuing process will be carried out according to the specified procedure: applicants will receive relevant messages indicating the date, time and place of receipt of documents. An important point remains the requirement to have military registration documents, without which it is impossible to issue a passport.

This decision was the result of a long process of adapting the rules to legislative changes. In April 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a resolution that limited the possibility of obtaining foreign passports and internal documents by Ukrainian men of conscription age outside the country. At the same time, in June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi signed a law regulating the provision of certain administrative services to Ukrainian citizens abroad, which to some extent eased previous restrictions.

See also With the proliferation of the internet and digital platforms, teenagers' lives are increasingly centred around social media. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and other platforms are becoming a place to socialise, express themselves and get information. However, these platforms also carry risks associated with uncontrolled access to content that can be harmful, dangerous or even tragic. The recent TikTok scandals in Europe are a reminder that parents should pay special attention to their children's online lives. This issue is especially relevant for Ukraine, where teenagers are also actively using social networks, and the issue of content control is still underdeveloped. Scandal in France: a lawsuit against TikTok In France, seven families filed a class action lawsuit against TikTok after dangerous content in the social network led to tragic consequences. About it writes Reuters. Two 15-year-olds committed suicide, according to the lawyer, after watching videos promoting suicide and other dangerous behavioural patterns. This is the first such case in Europe, with the platform accused of contributing to the tragic events by failing to properly monitor content that reaches underage users. The families' lawyer, Laure Boutron-Marmion, insists that TikTok, as a commercial company providing its product to minors, should be held responsible for the harmful effects of its product. TikTok has not yet commented on the lawsuit, but the company has previously assured its responsibility for the mental health of young users and introduced certain measures to protect them. This situation raises the question of how social media should protect young people from dangerous content. It is also a challenge for parents around the world, including Ukraine, where access to content is less controlled and teenagers may face similar risks. How Ukrainian parents can protect their children The problem of harmful content on social media is a global one, and it can only be avoided if parents are actively involved in the parenting process and use technology to keep children safe. Here are some tips that can help parents keep their children safe from the negative influence of social networks. Regular conversations about internet safety It's important to discuss internet safety with your children and explain that not all content is helpful or safe. Explain why they should be careful and avoid suspicious or dangerous content. Explaining risks and teaching critical thinking Children need to understand that information on the internet can be distorted or manipulative. Teach them to think critically, recognise the signs of false information and avoid content that may cause anxiety or stress. Set limits on time of use Research shows that excessive time on social media leads to stress and depression. Agree with your children to limit the amount of time they can spend online. This will help reduce their addiction and keep them mentally healthy. Set up privacy settings and parental controls Use the privacy features on social networks that allow you to restrict access to content that is inaccessible to children. It's also worth utilising parental control features to monitor your child's activity and block potentially harmful content. Developing trusting relationships Trust between parents and children is the foundation of safe social media use. Let children know that they can share their thoughts and concerns with you, and that you are always there to help. Keep up with news about social media Pay attention to scandals or problems that arise with social media, such as the situation in France. Such cases allow parents to learn about new dangers and react in time. Mental health support Talk to your children about their feelings and experiences and help them cope with emotional stress. If you suspect that a child is being influenced by harmful content, don't hesitate to contact a professional. TikTok, like many other social networks, should ensure the safety of underage users. The problem of dangerous content on social networks is now going global, and companies that provide platforms for teens must step up measures to filter harmful videos and material. Incidents like the French one emphasise the importance of paying attention to children's online lives and demonstrate that parents can and should play a key role in keeping their children safe. Social media can be a useful tool, but only if teenagers are aware and protected. Dialogue with children, setting rules and controlling access to content is the basis for preserving their mental health and emotional stability in the digital world.

Despite this, the new order raises questions among citizens. First of all, many are interested in how exactly the mechanism of issuing passports will work in the future and whether there will be difficulties in its implementation again. In addition, it is important to understand what further steps the government will take to ensure the rights of Ukrainians abroad and whether additional changes will be made to the rules of mobilization and passport control.

The situation with issuing passports abroad is complex and multifaceted. It reflects the state’s general policy of mobilizing and controlling citizens during martial law, while also creating challenges for those already abroad. The settlement of this issue is important not only for individual citizens, but also for diplomatic services, which must ensure that the rights of Ukrainians who find themselves in difficult circumstances are respected.

Oksana15.02.2025

0 154 2 minutes read