Ukraine Halts Consular Services for Men of Military Age Abroad: Return or Update Registration
Ukraine has temporarily suspended consular services for men between 18 and 60 years old living abroad due to military registration issues and manpower shortages in the army.
This means that new applications for consular services, such as visas or documents, will not be accepted for this age group.
However, exceptions will be made for documents allowing Ukrainian men to return to Ukraine.
This measure is expected to require these men to return to Ukraine to complete administrative procedures that were previously available abroad.
The Ukrainian government has passed a law effective May 18, increasing penalties for draft dodgers and requiring men to keep their military registration current.
Once men update their registration, they will be allowed access to consular services.
Since the invasion, Ukrainian men aged 18-60 have been prohibited from leaving the country, but some had already lived abroad and thousands more are estimated to have illegally left.