The Spanish authorities announced a new policy to protect and support Ukrainian citizens living in Spain who have just arrived in the country in search of asylum or who are going to do so soon. In this regard, questions arise about what kind of help awaits them here, where, and how to ask for help.
Citizens of Ukraine do not need a Schengen visa to enter and stay for three months as tourists in the Schengen area. To enter the territory of Spain, a biometric passport is sufficient. In the case of minors, a birth certificate, evidence of family, or other ties to guardians or persons accompanying the minor is required.
On March 9, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Integration, Social Security and Migration of Spain signed a Decree regulating the procedure for applying for temporary protection by Ukrainian citizens by the European Directive. In this regard, since March 10, the procedure for applying for international protection has been simplified, so now after filing there is no need to wait for an invitation to an interview, and the consideration of the application will take only 24 hours.
At borders and asylum offices and other reception points, information brochures will be distributed in different languages, which will reflect the rights of applicants and explain the procedure for recognizing temporary protection.
Who can apply for temporary international protection in Spain?
- Citizens of Ukraine who arrive in Spain in search of asylum.
- Citizens of Ukraine who were in Spain before February 24, 2022, now cannot return to Ukraine.
- Third-country nationals or stateless persons legally residing in Ukraine for more than 5 years based on a valid residence permit issued by Ukrainian legislation and unable to return to their country.
- Citizens of Ukraine who were illegally in Spain until February 24, 2022, and who are unable to return to Ukraine.
- Their family members: spouse and children, whether born in wedlock, out of wedlock, or adopted
- Other close relatives who lived with the applicants for international protection as part of the family.
Where to apply for temporary international protection in Spain?
You can apply for international protection in Spain:
– At the Spanish borders (airport, port, or land border): you must inform the representatives of the National Police or the Spanish Civil Guard that you want to request international protection.
– In Spain: You must visit in person any of the Asylum Offices (Oficina de Asilo y Refugio, OAR) or the Spanish National Police Station.
How to apply for temporary international protection in Spain?
Once you have indicated that you wish to apply, authorized centers will ask for your identification information to complete the application. Interpreters will assist you during the interview and the registration process. Now the application is considered within 24 hours. After a positive decision is made, the applicant is issued an NIE or alien identification number.
What if you are already in Spain?
Barcelona
If you are in Barcelona and you have a place to live and a livelihood, you can immediately apply to the Asylum Office (OAR) to declare your desire for international protection.
OAR Address: Pg. de Sant Joan, 189
If you currently do not have any means of subsistence, you can contact the Servicio de Atención an Inmigrantes, Emigrants y Refugiados (SAIER) service, which provides services to immigrants, migrants, and refugees. There you will be provided with legal advice on applying for international protection and asylum and will be given detailed information about social housing and assistance.
SAIER Addresses:
– Av. del Paral lel, 202-204
– Carrer de Tarragona, 141
– Carrer de la Font Honrada, 10
The Commission for Refugee Assistance (CEAR) can also help resolve the issue of temporary housing.
Address CEAR: Carrer de Junta de Comerç, 26
Madrid
Mayor of Madrid Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida said that the City Council of the capital is offering all the resources at its disposal to accept Ukrainian refugees.
If you are in Madrid, you can apply directly to the Asylum Office (OAR) at Calle de Pradillo, 40, Madrid to apply for international protection.
For social assistance and assistance with temporary housing, you can contact the Commission for Assistance to Refugees (CEAR) at Av. de Asturias, 33, Madrid.
Valencia
Address of the Commission for Assistance to Refugees (CEAR) in Valencia: Carrer de Francisco Moreno Used, 21, Valencia
Information will be updated as it becomes available.