What does the temporary protection status in Belgium include and how does it affect the possibility of traveling to the EU?

Short-term return to Ukraine

Your temporary protection or the right to reside in Belgium do not terminate if your trip abroad does not exceed three months.

If you wish to leave for a longer period, you have to notify your social coordinator from the municipality's Public Center for Social Welfare (OCMW/CPAS). A social coordinator is a person appointed by the local authorities to ensure the coordination of the reception of refugees and people enjoying temporary protection on the territory of the municipality.

If you do not know who your coordinator is, call the number of the administration of the municipality in which you live. You can find this number via Google by searching the name of the city you are in.

Even if you plan to stay abroad for only a few weeks, it is recommended to inform the municipality about this in order to avoid any misunderstandings or problems.

If you know that your Card A will expire during your trip, apply for an early renewal at the municipality.

In order not to lose benefits, you should also contact the social security service.

Most OCMW/CPAS will suspend payments if you are abroad for more than 28 days. However, in the presence of justified circumstances, they can continue to pay social assistance.

Long-term return to Ukraine

If you leave Belgium for a long period (more than 3 months), you will lose the social benefits and benefits of the Card A.

If you want to return to Belgium again and stay in the country for more than three months, you have to renew your temporary protection status yourself.

To do this, you have to contact the municipality of your place of residence within fifteen days of your return to Belgium.

We also recommend that you contact your social coordinator at OCMW/CPAS as soon as possible.

For additional information, you can contact the registration center for citizens of Ukraine in Brussels.

More information about trips and returning to Ukraine is available at the link.