Slovakia reducing assistance to Ukrainian refugees

MOSCOW. Dec 9 (Interfax) - Slovakia will reduce assistance to certain Ukrainian refugees in March 2025, following the approval of amendments to immigration laws, including the law on the residence of foreigners and the asylum law, in late November, Ukrainian media said, citing Slovak Spectator.

"Starting on March 1, 2025, persons who received the Ukrainian refugee status after February 28, 2025, will be allowed holding this status for no more than 60 days, versus 120 days now. Likewise, the residence allowance will be limited to the first 60 days, rather than 120 days as it has been since July this year," the media said.

The amendments do not apply to pensioners older than 65, children younger than five, and single guardians of such children.

According to the government, the measures will allow saving 2 million euros, which is a necessary step under the current pressure on state expenses.

Slovak Deputy Interior Minister Peter Krauspe supported the amendments and said that Ukrainian refugees normally found a job and a residence after spending two months in Slovakia. "We should be saving money wherever we can," he said.