Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia will start receiving less aid from March next year
Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes due to the war started by Russia found temporary shelter in many European countries, including Slovakia. This country became one of the destinations for hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the hostilities. However, despite the initially high level of solidarity and support, growing financial pressure on the state budget forced the Slovak government to introduce changes to the immigration legislation, which significantly reduce the conditions for assistance for newly arrived refugees from Ukraine.
From March 1, 2025, persons who will receive the status of temporary protection after the specified date will be able to stay in temporary accommodation points for no more than 60 days. It is reported Spectator. Previously, this period was 120 days, which gave people more time to adapt. Similarly, financial assistance to cover living expenses is also limited to only the first two months of stay, whereas it is currently provided for four months. The measures are part of changes to the Aliens Residence Act and the Asylum Act passed on Thursday.
The reasons for the changes and their impact on Ukrainians
Slovak Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Peter Krauspe explained that these changes are the result of economic pressure on the state budget. According to him, most Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia find work and housing within two months of their arrival, which makes further state assistance less necessary. The changes will allow the Ministry of Internal Affairs to save about 2 million euros, which is considered a significant amount in the context of a growing budget deficit.
However, the reduction of support periods will not apply to vulnerable population groups. These categories include people over the age of 65, children under the age of five, as well as single guardians of these children. For them, the terms of assistance will remain unchanged.
Despite the government’s rationale, opposition politicians and human rights activists have expressed concern about the innovations. They believe that shortening the duration of support could lead to increased difficulties for Ukrainians who are already experiencing serious psychological and social traumas related to the war.
Adoption process and criticism of changes
Opponents of the government initiative emphasize that the amendments were adopted in an accelerated manner, without proper discussion and consultation with stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations working with refugees. Thus, MPs Zuzana Shtevulova and Lyucia Plavakova from the Progressive Slovakia party condemned the way in which the draft law was changed at the last minute during the meeting of the parliamentary committee on human rights on November 27.
In addition, changes to legislation have sparked debates about Slovakia’s migration policy. The opposition accused the government of insufficient support for Ukrainians who could contribute to solving the problem of labor shortage in the country. Instead, the government gives preference to workers from Asian countries, which, according to critics, is against the interests of Slovak society, which is culturally and religiously closer to Ukrainians.
Political context and consequences
The opposition also drew attention to the political context of the adoption of the changes. Some MPs accused Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is known for his friendly rhetoric towards Russia, of trying to make Slovakia less attractive to Ukrainian refugees. In addition, they said that such steps could lead to the migration of Ukrainians to other countries, while Slovakia has a significant need for tens of thousands of foreign workers.
Despite the criticism, the government emphasizes that Slovakia remains one of the most generous countries in the region when it comes to supporting Ukrainian refugees. In particular, the country has extended the validity of temporary asylum (Dočasne útočisko) for those already in its territory until March 4, 2025.
The changes to the legislation, which will enter into force from March 2025, reflect Slovakia’s desire to find a balance between the support of refugees and the financial capabilities of the state. At the same time, these measures emphasize the importance of integration programs and adaptation of immigrants to new conditions. The continued success of this policy will depend on the government’s ability to provide effective support to those most in need, while responding to the critical challenges of the times.
