Ukrainian Refugees in Israel: Three Years Without Rights? Why Their Status Is Still Unresolved

Three years ago, following the full-scale Russian aggression, thousands of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes. Many of them found temporary refuge in Israel, hoping for support and protection. However, after three years, their situation remains unresolved: no official status, no access to social protection, employment, or medical services.

The refugee aid organization in Israel, ASAF has released a report on the situation of Ukrainian refugees, raising many pressing questions. Why are these people still without status? How are Israeli authorities responding? What kind of support are Ukrainians receiving today?

Summary of the report:

Refugees Without Status: Three Years of Waiting

Currently, about 23,000 Ukrainian citizens are legally residing in Israel under collective protection from deportation. However, this status does not grant them the right to social assistance, medical insurance, or proper employment.

In February 2024, a court ruled that all Ukrainians under temporary protection should be granted A5 visas, providing them with at least some legal residency. However, by July 2024, only 1,800 people had received this status.

📌 Facts and figures:

• 39% of Ukrainian refugees are unemployed.
• 26% work illegally.
• 65% of refugee women cut back on medical expenses due to lack of funds.
• 70% of their income goes towards rent.
• 850 women have found themselves in “survival prostitution” conditions.

Healthcare: Who Gets Help and Who Doesn’t?

Medical services in Israel are only available to children and individuals over 60. The rest of the refugees must either pay for treatment or rely on rare volunteer programs.

For instance, in August 2023, access to medical services was suddenly cut off, leaving many patients without treatment. After protests and legal action, some insurance coverage was reinstated, but the situation remains unstable.

❗ Challenges in accessing healthcare:

• Bureaucratic hurdles: even those entitled to medical care often cannot access it.
• Lack of information: 50% of refugee women do not receive health updates about their children at school due to language barriers.
• Limited access to psychological support: refugees who have endured war receive little to no mental health assistance.

Employment: Why Aren’t Ukrainians Hired?

Ukrainian refugees do not have official work permits, yet Israeli authorities have implemented a “non-enforcement policy” towards employers hiring them. However, this does not solve the problem:

• Many companies refuse to hire Ukrainians without a work permit.
• Refugees often take on illegal, low-paid, and difficult jobs.
• Female refugees are more vulnerable to exploitation due to their precarious situation.

What can be done?
Human rights activists demand either simplification of the A5 visa process or the introduction of official work visas for Ukrainians.

Housing and Poverty: Are Ukrainians Becoming Israel’s New Homeless?

In 2022, most Ukrainian refugees lived with relatives or in temporary shelters. Today, the situation has significantly worsened:

• Rental prices have increased, making it difficult to find housing without legal status.
• Women with children are forced to live in overcrowded apartments with 3-4 families.
• 79% of Ukrainian women in Israel live below the poverty line.

Conclusion

A person does not choose to become a refugee, but a state can choose how to treat them. Today, 23,000 Ukrainians live in limbo in Israel. Their status must be resolved, and their rights protected.

What Can Be Done Now?

• Raise awareness in the media – more discussion will increase pressure on the government.
• Implement support programs – if Israel has already accepted Ukrainian refugees, it must allow them to live with dignity.
• Recognize their right to work – an official status would reduce poverty among refugees.

NAnews – News of Israel will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the conditions of Ukrainian refugees. Stay tuned!