Refugees from Ukraine who are living in Germany under Article 24 of the Residence Act can generally travel to Ukraine and return. The citizen’s allowance (Bürgergeld) will usually continue to be paid for up to three weeks. However, the conditions change for longer trips. In order to avoid difficulties with the German authorities, refugees must also comply with certain rules. It is also important to check in good time whether their ID cards are still valid.
Citizen’s benefits for 21 days
It is easiest if the trip to Ukraine is for a maximum of 21 days. If the job center has agreed, the citizen’s allowance will continue to be paid. However, there is one important condition: the trip must be of a temporary nature. Otherwise the residence permit is at risk. „So if you are traveling to Ukraine to start an apprenticeship or to care for a family member for a longer period of time, this can be considered a non-temporary reason and lead to the revocation of your residence permit,” says the website of the Germany4Ukraine portal of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. The Jobcenter’s consent can be obtained by email or an appointment at the office. The job center needs data on the duration of the trip, the travel dates and the destination.
After three weeks, it’s over
The conditions are similar for trips of up to six weeks – however, according to Germany4Ukraine, the citizen’s allowance is only paid for three weeks.
No money for longer trips
Anyone who travels to Ukraine for longer than six weeks generally loses their entitlement to citizen’s allowance. Upon returning to Germany, a new application must be submitted. Here too, the Jobcenter must be informed of the trip in good time.
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