Ukraine halts passport issuance abroad for military-aged men amid manpower shortages

New Ukraine legislation, published on the government website, is set to prevent affected military-aged men from obtaining passports from foreign diplomatic missions

In an effort to promote their return home in the face of severe personnel shortages within the army, Ukraine has stopped granting new passports overseas to certain males of military age, according to legislation released on Wednesday.

As to the updated laws revealed on the official government website, impacted males would not be allowed to receive passports from “foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine.” The exact scope and duration of this measure are still unknown.

This news comes after consular services for males living overseas who are between the ages of 18 and 60 were suspended while a new mobilization legislation was being implemented.

The foreign ministry of Ukraine responded by clarifying on Wednesday that its consular processes “remain unchanged.” This implies that when the mobilization law is implemented, males of military age with current military paperwork will still be able to apply for passports.

With very few exceptions that permit authorized border crossings, males from Ukraine have not been allowed to leave the nation since the invasion began. Some, on the other hand, left illegally, while others who had already left the country before 2022 decided not to come back when the fighting started.

However, staffing shortages have contributed to some of the difficulties faced by the Ukrainian armed forces on the battlefield. Since Feb. 2022, several soldiers have fought through protracted battles with little to no break.

As a result, the government has implemented new policies to combat draft evasion and encourage conscription, even if they have been met with opposition and delays.

Source: AFP