Ukrainian nationals also have a right to apply for asylum by lodging an application to the State Migration Service (SMS) of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
In light of the ongoing situation, many Ukrainian nationals currently in Azerbaijan are unwilling or unable to return to their country of origin, regardless of whether they formally apply for asylum. As a result, UNHCR’s assistance can also be provided to Ukrainians in need of international protection who do not apply for asylum in Azerbaijan, hereinafter referred to as “refugee-like”, based on the individual assessments and availability of funds.
Ukrainian nationals who want to benefit from UNHCR’s financial, social, and legal assistance, will have to visit the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan and explain their needs there first. SMS will identify whether there are possibilities to solve the problems without reverting to UNHCR assistance and if not, will refer the applicants to UNHCR for the enrolment as a person in a refugee-like situation.
By receiving refugee-like status, Ukrainian nationals will be eligible for the relevant legal, financial, and social assistance provided by UNHCR Azerbaijan. Ukrainian nationals may also apply for asylum as any national and in this case, the rights and obligations of asylum-seeker will apply, including the right to work in Azerbaijan during the refugee status determination procedure.
If you are fleeing Ukraine and are not in Azerbaijan, please visit the UNHCR Help site of the country you are in or the Digital Blue Dot.
- In the Czech Republic: see the UNHCR Help Czech Republic and the government’s webpage OR call the hotline number +420 974 801 802
- In Hungary: see the UNHCR HELP Hungary and the page of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee.
- In Moldova: see the UNHCR Help Moldova and the page of the asylum authorities and Dopomoga, a partner’s website that contains available services.
- In Poland: see the UNHCR HELP Poland and the Polish government website for Ukrainians (scroll down for additional languages and note their hotline at: +48477217575).
- In Romania: see the UNHCR HELP Romania and the website of our partner, the National Council for Refugees:
- In Slovakia: Please see the UNHCR HELP Slovakia and the Slovak government website for Ukrainians
In all other countries: Please see the UNHCR HELP homepage and select the country you are in.
For persons inside of Ukraine, UNHCR advises you to:
- Stay informed and connected (via radio, TV, and Internet) and follow official advice for your security. Listen to official messages from emergency services and local authorities, and follow the instructions, including regarding curfews.
- Keep a copy (even digital) of your documents in a safe place. Replacing lost documents will be easier if people can present a copy to authorities later.
- For advice on how to provide emotional support to children during these difficult times, see pages such as this.
UNHCR is doing its utmost to ensure that its services and assistance are continued and strengthened. For more information, please see our HELP Ukraine.
Please note that UNHCR is not involved in exit procedures or evacuations of any person from Ukraine.
