They got money and housing: hundreds of Romanians in Germany posed as refugees from Ukraine
15 February 2024 11:36
Hundreds of Romanian citizens who pretended to be Ukrainian refugees to get money and housing have been found in Germany, the 
with reference to Digi24.
According to the publication, the impostors were detained in Germany, posing as refugees from Ukraine in need of support. They received money and housing by actively using opportunities where the German authorities offered assistance to refugees.
“They claimed that they were outside the conflict zone and needed help, just like other refugees. All the necessary conditions were provided for them: housing, food and constant assistance,”
– the statement said.
However, several volunteers later noticed that many of the “refugees” did not speak Ukrainian, which attracted the attention of the authorities. An investigation revealed that in southwestern Germany alone, the number of such people exceeded 1,300, and they were not Ukrainians but tried to take advantage of the situation in Ukraine and the loyalty of the German authorities in Berlin.
According to the latest data from the Council of Europe, Germany is one of the countries that has received more than a million Ukrainians. Those who arrived here immediately received protection and support.
What is temporary protection in the EU?
Due to Russia’s war against Ukraine, since 24 February 2022, Ukrainian citizens have been able to apply for international protection in the European Union (asylum). Refugee status or subsidiary protection can be granted. At the same time, another tool has become relevant – “temporary protection” in one of the EU countries.
Temporary protection does not mean obtaining refugee status in accordance with the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees of 28 July 1951, which grants rights similar to a residence permit. However, persons who have been granted temporary protection in the EU may apply for refugee status at any time.
Temporary protection is a procedure that is applied only in the case of a massive or imminent mass influx of displaced persons from third countries who are unable to return to their country of origin. These persons are granted immediate and temporary protection, especially if there is a risk that the asylum system will not be able to handle the influx without adversely affecting its effective operation, in the interests of the persons concerned and other asylum seekers.
Read also:
Ukrainian refugees in the EU: where they go most and which countries they leave
