Situation of refugees from Ukraine in Liechtenstein
As of Thursday, March 31, 2022, 149 people were registered in Liechtenstein who had to flee the war in Ukraine and who had applied for protection. Around a third of them are minors with family accompaniment. The refugees are currently being accommodated in the reception center in Vaduz and in community facilities. There are free seats available.
Since the outbreak of war, 149 refugees from Ukraine have applied for protection. This includes Ukrainians and third-country nationals who had a residence permit in Ukraine. Of these, 48 were minors. A total of 18 people withdrew their requests for protection and continued their journey to other federal states. Those seeking protection are mainly women and children.
The Aliens and Passport Office (APA) recorded a total of 166 asylum and protection applications by the end of March this year. This is the highest value in the last ten years. The long-term annual high of 165 in 2018 was already exceeded in March. An increase is to be expected in the coming weeks. Due to the persistence of the war, the responsible authorities assume that there will be at least 300 people seeking protection in the coming months. Depending on the course of the crisis, however, significantly higher numbers of applications must also be taken into account. Concrete forecasts are difficult and depend on the course of the war in Ukraine. The government is therefore preparing for various scenarios.
Temporary protection status (S)
By activating the temporary granting of protection, the refugees receive a limited right of residence in Liechtenstein after registering with the APA. If the request for protection has been registered with the APA, the persons responsible for the care and accommodation will be reported to the refugee assistance (FHL). People who live with friends or acquaintances are also registered with the FHL. You will then receive an initial medical examination and, with the approval of the FHL, the further necessary clarifications regarding care and accommodation will be made.
Persons with temporary protection largely have rights like asylum seekers and temporarily admitted persons. They receive welfare benefits, pocket money, accommodation and care and die as part of the mandatory health insurance premiums and cost sharing are covered. Protected status allows school-age children to attend school and adults to work. The government is examining the conditions and possibilities for a relaxed integration into the labor market with the business associations and social partners. Persons with protection status S and a valid passport can also travel and return to Liechtenstein without authorization from the APA.
Additional accommodation capacities
In order to be able to cope with this extraordinary situation, the state is preparing further accommodation options together with the municipalities. Currently, the capacities for accommodation are sufficient. Around 130 places are currently available. More will follow in the coming weeks. Arriving people – if they cannot stay with relatives or acquaintances – are admitted to the reception center and given first aid there. After a few days, the FHL distributes it to other properties. This central and coordinated approach means that the available resources can be used optimally.
Recording in private households
The government welcomes the private involvement of many people in this crisis. The FHL has already received more than 80 offers of accommodation from private individuals. These offers should then be used when state capacities are no longer sufficient. Private individuals should carefully consider in advance whether and how individual households are prepared for a situation that is not only emotionally demanding but can also last for a certain period of time. It is recommended not to take in unknown people directly on private initiative, but to first go through the official authorities.
In addition to reports for housing, the FHL also accepts reports for other offers of help from private individuals, such as interpreting, leisure activities, etc. Each offer can be sent by email to [email protected]. Information on the protection status and registration is available on the APA website.
Press contact:
Ministry of Interior, Economy and Environment
Markus Biedermann, Secretary General
T +423 236 60 09
Original content from: Principality of Liechtenstein, transmitted by news aktuell
Original message: https://www.presseportal.ch/de/pm/100000148/100887328