War in Ukraine: What Liechtensteiners need to know right now – Liechtenstein
The United Nations estimates that around four million people will have to flee the war in Ukraine. “We don’t know exactly what to expect in the next few days and weeks,” said Interior Minister Sabine Monauni. However, Liechtenstein has offered its European partners to help within the scope of its possibilities. Not only the government, but also the state parliament wants to take in people who have fled the Ukraine. The state parliament also sent a clear signal with a petition.
11 people arrived from Ukraine
Since the beginning of the war, eleven people from Ukraine have applied for asylum in Liechtenstein. In addition, around 30 agricultural interns from Ukraine are currently in the country, and they are allowed to stay after the one-year internship is over. “Currently, no one is being sent back to Ukraine – regardless of residence status,” emphasized Monauni.
The Asylum Task Force coordinates the reception and accommodation of refugees; the accommodation options are currently being reviewed and updated. Around 100 places are available in the refugee home. “It is important that we can provide adequate housing for families,” stressed Monauni. If possible, children should not be accommodated in air raid shelters, which was appropriately welcomed in the state parliament.
Addressed to children’s needs
“Refugee children should attend classes as quickly as possible and without fear,” added Education Minister Dominque Hasler. The schools are prepared for this in terms of both space and staff so that children can be integrated into the school immediately. Where these children go to school depends heavily on their number.
The intensive course in German as a second language (IK DaZ) is one of the measures to accommodate newly arrived children and young people in the school system. “The advantage is that we have very small groups there and can specifically address the needs of these children with experts,” explains Hasler. They should learn the language as quickly as possible, but translators are also available. Liechtenstein already has experience in this regard, Hasler refers to refugee children from Syria, for example.
Refugees are also allowed to work
As in Switzerland and the EU states, the government is also examining the introduction of the protection status S, with which affected persons can be admitted to Liechtenstein as unbureaucratically as possible. “This avoids time-consuming asylum procedures. Persons with protection status S are subject to the same conditions as asylum seekers and temporarily admitted persons,” explained Monauni. They also have the opportunity to work, go to school, receive benefits and have health insurance. The legal basis for the introduction of this protection status already exists, a first draft regulation is also available and is currently being legally examined. The current plan is to extend this decree until February 28, 2023, with further deadlines and depending on the development of the war.