The Ukrainian government’s decision to allow men aged 18-22 to leave the country signifies a significant shift in its immigration policy since the full-scale war began, aiming to strengthen connections with the nation.
Decision to Allow 18-22 Year Old Men
The government’s decision in Kyiv to allow men aged 18-22 to leave the country is a pivotal turn in the country’s migration policy since the start of the full-scale war. Previously, almost all men aged 18-60 were prohibited from leaving the country to maintain mobilization reserves and aid the army during the Russian invasion.
Reason Behind the Change
The change in legislation is also a reaction to social phenomena that have been growing for several months. Due to migration restrictions, thousands of families decided to send their sons abroad before they turned 18 to avoid a departure ban. According to Eurostat data, minors constituted about a third of all Ukrainians who left the country after February 24, 2022. The government now wants to stop this trend while also easing tensions around young people.
Zelensky’s Perspective
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes that the decision to allow men aged 18-22 to leave will not weaken the country’s defense capabilities. He noted that the new legislation aims to keep young Ukrainians in the country and counter the trend of departures before completing secondary school. “If we want to keep Ukrainian boys in Ukraine, we must ensure they finish school here, not be taken abroad before graduation,” said Zelensky.
Mixed Reactions from Officials and Critics
New regulations have sparked controversy among soldiers and experts. Ukrainian soldier Stanislaw Bunyatov expresses his disapproval, arguing that the change is unfair to young people who voluntarily went to the front at age 18-22. Conversely, Member of Parliament Fedir Venislavsky believes the decision will not lead to mass emigration of young men since those who wanted to leave found alternative ways, often illegal.
