Ljubljana, 2 November - In line with the relevant decision of the European Commission, Slovenia will automatically extend temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine until 4 March 2024. Administrative units will issue a new card valid until that date to Ukrainians who have been recognised temporary protection.

This comes after the interior ministers of the EU, which hosts several million refugees from Ukraine, agreed in mid-October with the Commission's proposal to extend the temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 2024.

This status provides them with support in finding accommodation and access to healthcare, education and the EU labour market.

Temporary protection, which was activated in March after the Russian invasion of Ukraine for an initial period of one year, i.e. until 4 March 2023, will thus also be automatically extended in Slovenia for two six-month periods until 4 March 2024.

Competent administrative units will issue free of charge a new card valid until that date to Ukrainians who have been recognised temporary protection, which will replace the current card valid until 4 March 2023, the government said on Wednesday.

Administrative units will also issue cards valid until 4 March 2024 in the event of a positive decision in all procedures in which a decision has not yet been made. The cards will be picked up at administrative units or sent by mail.

The Interior Ministry told the STA today that to date, 7,889 applications by Ukrainian citizens for temporary protection have been submitted and decisions have been made in 7,515 cases, with temporary protection having been granted to 7,160 persons.