A reader asks: My company could offer employment to several war refugees from Ukraine. What does temporary protection mean and can a person who has been granted temporary protection commence employment immediately?
Sandra Kuus, lead counselling lawyer at the Labour Inspectorate responds: On 9 March, an order from the Government of the Republic entered into force, allowing citizens of Ukraine and their family members who have arrived in Estonia on or after 24 February to apply for temporary protection. Persons who have been granted temporary protection are permitted to reside, work, study, and access social services in Estonia for one year.
A person who has received temporary protection from the Police and Border Guard Board may commence employment immediately after receiving protection. The procedure for filing an application for temporary protection and for a residence permit is an expedited procedure. As a rule, the decision as to whether or not to grant protection is made immediately, after which, if granted, the decision on the granting of a residence permit is issued to the applicant together with a personal identification code. The issuance of a residence permit card may take up to 30 days, but this does not prevent the person from being hired. For more information, see: https://www.politsei.ee/et/juhend/info-seoses-ukraina-sojaga/ajutine-kaitse-ukraina-kodanikele-ja-nende-pereliikmetele.
Workers who have been granted temporary protection must be paid at least the minimum wage, which in 2022 is equal to 3.86 euros per hour or 654 euros per month (gross). In addition, they are subject to the Employment Contracts Act, along with all other relevant requirements – the same as local workers.
The Labour Inspectorate has prepared an information sheet on employment relationships with persons who have arrived from Ukraine, which is available in four languages:
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