Temporary protection in France is effective from 4 March 2022, and is valid for one year. It has been notified by an instruction dated 10 March 2022.2
The conditions for obtaining temporary protection in France:
- Ukrainian nationals residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
- Ukrainian nationals who, on this date, were on the territory of a member state of the European Union or a partner state and whose permanent residence is in Ukraine;
- Non-Ukrainian nationals who benefit from protection (international or equivalent national) granted by the Ukrainian authorities;
- Non-Ukrainian individuals with a valid permanent residence permit issued by the Ukrainian authorities who are not able to return to their country of origin in a safe and sustainable manner;
- Family member of a person falling under one of the previous cases (family members are: spouse, unmarried minor children, and dependent relatives).
Few situations are listed in the French instruction dated 10 March 2022, indicating that certain persons cannot ask for a temporary protection (for example when the situation of the person is against the public order).
Ukrainian nationals who hold a residence permit in France which will expire soon are invited to present themselves at the préfecture in order to assess their own situations. Also, non-Ukrainian nationals who can return to their country of origin under safe conditions are not supposed to ask for temporary protection. Their right to reside in France may be analysed by the French authority.
The rights allowed by temporary protection are:
- The issuance of a temporary residence permit on French territory for a period of six months, bearing the mention “beneficiary of temporary protection.” This authorisation will be renewed during the period of validity of the decision of the Council on Temporary Protection.
- The payment of the asylum-seeker's allowance depending on the conditions of resources and family situation;
- The authorisation to exercise a professional activity when the work permit is obtained;
- The right to access medical care;
- Schooling for minor children;
- Support for housing.
To ask for temporary protection, the Ukrainian nationals are invited to go to the local prefecture of the department where they live or are staying with the documents in their possession justifying their situation (passport, place of stay) and accompanied by their family members.3
Note: Regarding a refugee’s health situation, the European Commission indicated that the lack of travel documents or medical documents (certificate of vaccination, COVID-19 test) should not be an obstacle to entering the EU. Consequently, the general COVID-19 travel restrictions/formalities should not be applicable when entering European countries and France.