Spain: Temporary protection to be given to people affected by conflict in Ukraine will include work and residence authorization

Order PCM/170/2022 increases the temporary protection contained in Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 of 4 March 2022 to people affected by the conflict in Ukraine who can seek refuge in Spain. The order specifies the following categories of people:

• Ukraine nationals who were staying in Spain before February 24, 2022 and, as a result of the armed conflict, cannot return to Ukraine, in addition to their family members as defined in the order.
• Nationals of third countries or stateless people who were legally residing in Ukraine under a valid legal residence permit and cannot return to their country or region, in addition their family members as defined in the order.
• Ukraine nationals in Spain illegally before February 24, 2022 and, as a result of the armed conflict, cannot return to Ukraine.

Additionally, the new labor provisions in Order PCM/169/2022 implementing the procedure for recognition of the temporary protection for people affected by the conflict in Ukraine include the following:

• A request for temporary protection authorizes the interested party to stay in Spain and to receive welfare support while the request is handled.
• If temporary protection is provided it will include work and residence authorization.
• The temporary protection and residence and work permits will automatically be extended for another year at the end of the first year of the term of that protection, if the body responsible has not ended the temporary protection. As an exception, it may be extended for a further year.