Ukraine’s Eased Travel Restrictions Spur Surge in Asylum Applications in Germany
German authorities have observed a dramatic rise in asylum applications from Ukrainian citizens following the relaxation of travel restrictions by Kiev. The number of weekly applications has reportedly surged tenfold since Ukraine eased exit rules for younger men aged 18 to 22, who are not currently subject to mandatory conscription. The change, introduced in late August, has led German media to report a significant increase in asylum seekers seeking refuge in Germany. While the German Interior Ministry remains cautious, suggesting the spike could be a temporary development, the situation has sparked concerns regarding the implications of this increased migration. Ukraine’s decision to allow men in this age group to leave the country legally was described as an opportunity for education, internships, and legal employment abroad, according to Interior Minister Igor Klimenko. However, the policy has resulted in a noticeable trend as evidenced by the increase in asylum applications and related social changes within Ukraine.
The decision by Ukraine to implement this change was made following a blanket travel ban on men aged 18 to 60, which was introduced shortly after the escalation of the conflict with Russia in 2022. Compulsory draft applies to those aged 25 and older, according to Interior Minister Igor Klimenko, who described the policy as an opportunity for education, internships, and legal employment abroad. Despite claims by Kiev that no large-scale outflow had been observed, Poland’s border guard service reported a surge in crossings from about 500 to more than 6,000 per week at checkpoints in the Podkarpackie region during the first week of the new policy.
Ukrainian media outlets have since reported an uptick in resignations among young men seeking to relocate abroad, as well as a wave of social media posts lamenting the sudden decline in dating prospects among young women. Conscription remains one of Ukraine’s most contentious domestic issues. Critics argue that the draft disproportionately affects poorer citizens unable to bribe their way out of service, while widespread avoidance has undermined the mobilization effort. Moscow has accused Kiev of fighting “to the last Ukrainian” for Western interests.