Innovation is linked to bill No. 12361, registered on December 26 by a group of people's deputies, including Ruslan Gorbenko, Nikita Poturaev, Alexander Fedienko, and others.
This document proposes amendments to the procedure for the departure of certain categories of citizens under martial law. According to the initiative, men who meet the established criteria will be able to leave the country for education abroad. However, the law is not scheduled to come into effect until at least mid-spring, raising questions about the logic and sequence of the proposed changes.
The key conditions for departure include:
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Studying at a foreign university: Enrollment must have occurred no later than one year after completing high school or a vocational school, and the new educational program must provide for a higher level of education.
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Current studies abroad: Men who are already studying at a foreign institution on a full-time or dual education basis as of January 1, 2025, will also be able to take advantage of this opportunity. This applies to both vocational and higher education.
To cross the border, it is necessary to provide:
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A document confirming enrollment or studies abroad: student ID, certificate from the educational institution, invitation for study, document for temporary residence due to studies, or a study contract.
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A military registration document in electronic or paper form.
Moreover, it is prohibited to demand additional documents not specified in the law.
Additionally, there are plans to supplement the law on martial law with a clause guaranteeing young people's right to leave for study. The main idea is that even under martial law, students' opportunities cannot be unreasonably restricted. If a person meets the established requirements, they should have the right to leave.
The authors of the bill propose that the document come into force three months after publication. During this time, the Cabinet of Ministers is required to develop two new procedures:
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Obtaining military documents abroad: Men who are 17 years old and are legally abroad will be able to apply for the necessary documents online or through Ukrainian consulates.
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Deferral from basic military service: For those who have a legal right to deferral and are abroad, the option to submit documents online or through diplomatic institutions will be available.