The new Ukrainian Mobilisation Act, which aims to strengthen the country’s army in the fight against Russia, has raised concerns about the implications for Ukrainians living abroad and European governments hosting them. The Act introduces changes such as lowering the age limit for mobilisation, mandatory basic military service for those aged 18-25, and the removal of the category “limited suitability for military service.” These changes may require Ukrainians living abroad to update their data in the military register, potentially leading to challenges in terms of medical examinations and potential mobilisation.
Failure to comply with the new requirements of the Mobilisation Act can result in fines, penalties, and restrictions on services from Ukrainian institutions in foreign countries. Ukrainians living abroad may face a dilemma of whether to update their information in the military register, which could lead to uncertainties about potential mobilisation, or risk losing access to consular services, passports, and connections with Ukrainian authorities. While the current law does not include the possibility of digital summons, there are indications that army recruitment may intensify in the future.
European governments are facing new dilemmas on how to handle the increasing number of Ukrainians who may be unable to renew their documents due to the new Mobilisation Act. While some countries have indicated potential measures such as stopping residence permits for conscripted men, others have offered alternatives such as providing a German travel document as a replacement for passports. The responses from European governments may differ, but they will likely have to address the challenges posed by a growing population of Ukrainian refugees without valid identity documents.
The fear of being sent back to Ukraine for military service may lead to a higher number of non-registered Ukrainians in European countries, potentially creating a new group of undocumented migrants. This situation raises questions about Europe’s preparedness to handle such challenges and whether European governments will address these issues at the national or EU level. The implications of the new Mobilisation Act for Ukrainians living abroad highlight the complexities and uncertainties faced by both individuals and governments in navigating the impact of the legislation.
