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Croatia extended temporary protection of displaced persons from Ukraine until 4 March 2024.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
Ukrainian nationals in Croatia with temporary protection and in possession of their Identity Card as a Foreigner under Temporary Protection (“Identity Card”) will need to have the extension of that Identity Card certified.
An Identity Card is considered a residence permit and confirms the status of a foreign national under temporary protection in Croatia. This is the most important document with which Ukrainian nationals may exercise their rights in Croatia.
The extension to temporary protection and any subsequent certification of one’s Identity Card is free-of-charge for beneficiaries of temporary protection.
Background
In March 2022, the Croatian government granted temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine as a response to the humanitarian needs of Ukrainian people who cannot return to their country due to the armed conflict. A foreign national under temporary protection has the right to an identity card, work without a residence and work permit or a certificate of registration of work, mandatory health insurance, accommodation, and other state supports including education.2
More Details
Displaced persons from Ukraine should present themselves personally at the Croatian Ministry of Interior according to their place of residence to certify the extension of their Identity Card. This should be done no later than 30 April 2023; but it is possible to present oneself later without losing temporary protection status.
There is no need to apply for the extension of temporary protection. The extension will be recorded in the existing Identity Card.
If a displaced person from Ukraine under temporary protection in Croatia changed his/her residential address prior to the extension and has not yet registered the new address in his/her Identity Card:
- an Application for registration / cancellation of the residence address of a foreign national under temporary protection (Form 11) should be completed, and
- supporting documents regarding accommodation should be submitted (lease agreement, statement of the landlord, etc.).
Further Information
KPMG INSIGHTS
Generally, individuals fleeing the war in Ukraine have been entering Croatia since the conflict began on 24 February 2022. In March 2022, the Croatian government instituted temporary protection for such persons, providing they met the eligibility criteria. (For prior coverage, see GMS Flash Alert 2022-045, 4 March 2022.) Subject to such individuals having temporary protection status, they have immediate access to the labour market, along with access to social welfare, accommodation, and other state supports including health-care and education.
If employers or individuals have questions regarding temporary protection (who is eligible, what entitlements are available, how to undertake accessing of available benefits and facilities, etc.) and require further advice and assistance they should consult with their qualified immigration counsel or they can contact a member of the Immigration and Employment Law team with KPMG in Croatia (see the Contacts section).
FOOTNOTES
1 Ministry of the Interior, see (in Croatian) the "Status privremene zaštite" webpage at: https://hrvatskazaukrajinu.gov.hr/informacije/status-privremene-zastite/152 .
2 Ministry of the Interior, see (in Croatian) the "Prava i obveze osobe pod privremenom zaštitom" webpage at: https://hrvatskazaukrajinu.gov.hr/informacije/prava-i-obveze-osobe-pod-privremenom-zastitom/153 .
* Please note that KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not offer immigration services or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Croatia.
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