Brussels, 29 September 2023 (dpa/MIA) - EU interior ministers have agreed to prolong an exemption for Ukrainian refugees who are allowed to stay in the EU without having to apply for asylum.

The refugees can now stay in the European Union until at least March 2025, the interior ministers agreed on Thursday in Brussels.

Those affected do not have to go through a lengthy asylum procedure. In addition, they are immediately entitled to social benefits, education, housing and a work permit.

EU states had activated the temporary protection mechanism shortly after the start of Russia's all-out invasion Ukraine 19 months ago.

Photo: MIA archive