Estonia sees slower influx of Ukrainian war refugees

Estonian officials report that in the first five months of this year, temporary protection was granted to 1,805 Ukrainian war refugees, while 295 people applied for international protection. Over 80 percent of international protection applicants are Ukrainian citizens, with six from Russia and five from Sudan. So far, 211 have been granted subsidiary protection and 22 have received refugee status.

Steve Luks, head of the migration proceedings unit of the North Prefecture of the Police and Border Guard Board, explained that temporary protection and international protection are different. Temporary protection is for Ukrainian citizens and their family members, valid until March 2027, with the EU deciding on extension or termination.

According to Luks, the main trend remains unchanged: Estonia primarily protects victims of the war in Ukraine. Compared to the crisis at the start of 2022, when tens of thousands applied, the current pace of about 1,800 people in five months shows that migration pressure has stabilized and is under control. This allows the state and local governments to handle arrivals more individually.

Over the past few years, a large share of residents in refugee centers have been from Ukraine, often families seeking to rebuild their lives quickly. Jana Selesneva, head of the Vao refugee center in Lääne-Viru County, said that both Vao and Vägeva centers are operating steadily. Life there is calm and routine, and people adapt and learn to live together.

Selesneva noted that residents are supported according to their needs, with a focus on helping them move to independent living. Over time, the profile has changed: more families and children, leading to greater demand for support in education, language learning, and daily coping. The local community has adapted, attitudes have calmed, and cooperation works well.