1. Temporary protection status in Bulgaria
Ukrainian nationals granted temporary protection in Bulgaria enjoy special rights and privileges provided for in accordance with **EU Directive 2001/55/EC** and **Bulgarian legislation**. This protection is granted in conditions of mass flight from armed conflict, as is the case in Ukraine.
1.1. Personal documents that may be obtained
Upon registration in Bulgaria, persons with temporary protection, including Ukrainian citizens and their children, receive the following documents:
– Registration card of an alien with temporary protection:
– The document certifies their right to reside and enjoy the rights of temporarily protected persons.
– The card is valid for the duration of the temporary protection and is automatically renewed if the protection is extended.
– ID:
– If Ukrainian citizens do not have a valid passport or other identity document, the Bulgarian authorities may issue a temporary identity document (if necessary).
1.2. Rights of persons with temporary protection
– Right of residence: no time limit while temporary protection is in force.
– Access to the labour market: Temporarily protected persons can work in Bulgaria without an additional work permit.
– Health: Ukrainian women and their children have the right to medical care, including emergency care and immunisations.
– Education: minors have the right to attend kindergartens and schools on an equal footing with Bulgarian citizens.
– Social benefits: they can benefit from certain social services provided for temporarily protected persons, such as accommodation, food and minimum financial assistance.
2. Rights of Minor Children with Temporary Protection
Children of Ukrainian women granted temporary protection enjoy the following rights:
2.1. Documents that may be obtained
– Registration card for children:
– Children also receive a Temporary Protected Persons registration card valid for the duration of the protection.
– Birth Certificates:
– If the children were born in Bulgaria or the birth documents were lost, the parents can request a Bulgarian birth certificate.
2.2. Rights of children
– Education: Children have the right to attend kindergartens, schools and extracurricular activities.
– Social protection: children’s rights are protected by Bulgarian social services.
– Access to healthcare: Includes preventive care, immunizations and treatment.
3. Children in Bulgaria reaching the age of majority
When children turn 18 during their stay in Bulgaria with temporary protection status, certain legal changes occur:
3.1. Consequences on reaching the age of majority
– Automatic extension of temporary protection:
– Temporary protection continues to apply to young people after the age of majority, as long as this protection is in force.
– Individual rights and responsibilities:
– They acquire the right to apply for jobs independently and to conclude employment contracts without parental consent.
– Opportunity to apply for higher education in Bulgaria.
– Need for ID:
– Adults must have a personal identification document, such as a passport issued by the Ukrainian authorities or a temporary document issued by the Bulgarian authorities.
3.2. Rights of adults
– Right to work: young adults can work without restrictions.
– Right to education: they can enrol in universities or apply for vocational training.
– Access to social services: continue to have access to certain social programs for the temporarily sheltered.
4. Changes in the legal status
After the temporary protection expires, Ukrainians, including young adults, must seek another legal status to stay in Bulgaria if they want to stay. They can apply for:
– Long-term or permanent residence.
– International protection (refugee status).
– Work visa – if you have an employment relationship with a Bulgarian employer.
Conclusion
Ukrainian women with temporary protection in Bulgaria and their children have a wide range of rights and access to identity documents that provide them with protection and the opportunity to adapt. Upon reaching the age of majority, children acquire independent rights but also assume responsibilities related to their stay in Bulgaria. Bulgaria provides a stable legal framework to support these persons, but once the temporary protection expires, it is important that they are provided with another legal status to continue their stay legally.