The Verkhovna Rada updated the law on IDPs: an electronic office, new housing programs, and the abolition of unnecessary checks

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted a law that comprehensively updates the system for protecting the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The document provides for the digitalization of public services, simplification of bureaucratic procedures, new mechanisms for providing housing, and expansion of social guarantees for IDPs.

The bill was supported by 307 MPs. It will enter into force three months after its official publication.

Electronic cabinet and fewer paper documents

One of the key innovations will be the creation of an electronic cabinet for internally displaced persons. Through it, IDPs will be able to undergo an assessment of their needs, receive state services, and interact with authorities online.

In addition, confirmation of IDP status will be carried out using an electronic extract from the state database, which will significantly reduce the use of paper certificates.

IDP rights will not depend on registration

The law stipulates that internally displaced persons enjoy the full range of constitutional rights and freedoms regardless of the fact of registration as IDPs.

Additional requirements for confirming status may apply only in cases where a person claims special benefits or state guarantees, and only in order to prevent possible abuse.

Pensions without additional checks

The document also provides that displaced persons will receive pensions and other social benefits on a general basis, without additional checks or special procedures, which previously often caused delays or termination of payments.

New housing programs for displaced persons

One of the most important areas of the reform is to address the housing issue.

For the first time, the status of temporary residences — modular towns, dormitories, hotels and other facilities where displaced persons live — is determined at the legislative level.

In addition, the state plans to expand long-term mechanisms for providing housing, including:

preferential lending programs;

subsidized housing rental;

the possibility of further redemption of rented housing;

special programs for acquiring property rights.

For certain categories of IDPs, the law guarantees the right to indefinite residence in places of temporary accommodation for the duration of the martial law or state of emergency and for six months after its end. The list of such categories must be determined by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

A comprehensive approach to supporting IDPs

As the authors of the legislative amendments note, the main goal of the reform is to transition from a model of short-term assistance to systematic state support for internally displaced persons.

To this end, a mechanism for assessing the individual needs of IDPs is being introduced, which will allow for the provision of targeted assistance depending on the life circumstances of a particular person or family.

It is expected that the new law will simplify the access of IDPs to state services, strengthen their social protection, and create a more effective system for integrating IDPs into the communities where they live.