A bill strengthening the legal protection of foreigners and stateless persons who have taken up the defence of Ukraine has been approved.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhii Koretskyi announced this.

Once their contracts end, foreign volunteers will have more time to regularise their legal status: the bill extends the period of lawful temporary residence in Ukraine from three months to six.

Time spent in military service will count towards the five-year residence requirement for obtaining an immigration permit.

The bill also provides for the introduction of a foreigner’s travel document for people who, because of threats or political circumstances, cannot obtain or renew a passport in their country of origin.

“We look forward to the bill being considered and approved by the Verkhovna Rada,” the Prime Minister said.