On March 4, 2022, the Council of the European Union adopted Implementing decision establishing the existence of a mass influx of displaced persons from Ukraine, which has the effect of introducing temporary protection. The mentioned Decision defines the scope of persons to whom the institute of temporary protection will be applied. Accordingly, the decision of the Government of the Republic of Croatia established that temporary protection is introduced in the Republic of Croatia for persons displaced from Ukraine on or after 24 February 2022 due to the military invasion of the Russian Armed Forces that began on that date.
This created the preconditions for the application of the Decision of the EU Council and the provisions of the Law on International and Temporary Protection in the part related to temporary protection for the following categories of persons:
- citizens of Ukraine and members of their families residing in Ukraine on 24 February 2022
- stateless persons and nationals of other third countries who enjoyed international or equivalent national protection in Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and members of their families who were granted residence in Ukraine on 24 February 2022
- nationals of other third countries who had a valid permanent residence in Ukraine on 24 February 2022 in accordance with Ukrainian regulations and who cannot return to their country or region of origin safely and permanently
- displaced citizens of Ukraine and members of their families who left Ukraine just before 24 February 2022 due to the security situation and who cannot return to Ukraine due to the armed conflict.
The Law on International and Temporary Protection defines that a foreigner under temporary protection in the Republic of Croatia has the right of residence, identity card, basic means of living and accommodation, health care, primary and secondary education, receive information on his own rights and obligations, work, family reunification, and freedom of religion. Temporary protection is granted for a period of one year, and upon the expiration of that period it can be automatically extended for another six months, or for a maximum of one year. The maximum duration of temporary protection is three years. Temporary protection shall end upon the expiry of the maximum permitted period of temporary protection or by a decision of the Council of the EU.
Persons who will be granted temporary protection in accordance with this law and the decision of the Government, have the right to work in the Republic of Croatia without the need to obtain a residence and work permit or a certificate of employment.