Temporary protection means protection of an urgent and temporary nature granted under an exceptional procedure in the event of a mass influx or imminent mass influx of displaced persons from third countries who are unable to return to their country of origin, in particular if there is also a risk that the procedure for international protection cannot be efficiently completed due to the said influx, in the interests of the displaced persons and other persons seeking protection.
Temporary protection can last to three years maximum. It is granted for a period of one year and may be extended automatically for a minimum period of six months and a maximum period of one year. Exceptionally, the Council of the European Union may decide to extend temporary protection for a maximum of another year. Temporary protection is terminated when the maximum period of its duration expires, or upon the decision of the Council of the European Union.
Rights and obligations of foreign nationals under temporary protection
Foreign nationals under temporary protection are entitled to:
- a stay
- basic means of subsistence and accommodation
- health care
- primary and secondary education
- information on their rights and obligations
- work
- family reunification
- freedom of religion
- an identity card for foreign nationals under temporary protection (issued for a period of validity of one year).
A foreign national who lodged an application for international protection while under temporary protection is not entitled to enjoy the rights of applicants for international protection while he or she is under temporary protection.
