GSV fully backs government efforts in providing care for Ukrainian refugees

The Economic and Social Council (GSV) fully supports government efforts concerning the reception, accommodation and inclusion of Ukrainian refugees in the Croatian society, Interior Minister Davor Božinović said on Monday.

Addressing the press after the GSV's three-hour meeting, which was dedicated to possibilities of including Ukrainians in the labour market, Božinović said they agreed that the social partners would make sure that Ukrainian refugees were included in the labour market and given equal opportunities as Croatian workers.

The participants in the meeting expressed full solidarity with and concern for the Ukrainians who are suffering from the consequences of the Russian military aggression.

The GSV tripartite meetings between government officials, employers and unionists will also be held at the levels of counties, having in mind that operational activities concerning accommodation, education and employment take place at the local level.

The minister said that so far 8,600 Ukrainians fleeing the war had found refuge in Croatia.

Roughly 3.5 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded the country on 24 February.

After the EU decided to activate the Temporary Protection Directive in early March, Ukrainian refugees are given access to the labour market, education and social services in the countries where they have sought shelter. 

Activating that directive makes it possible for displaced persons from a particular country to get a residence permit for the entire duration of their protection (which can last from one year to three years), work permit, social care, healthcare and education without applying for asylum.

Under the directive, all nationals of Ukraine and persons residing in Ukraine, as well as their families, will be entitled to protection in the European Union.

Text: HINA

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