The Foreign Ministry dispelled a number of myths about the suspension of consular services for Ukrainian men

Myth one

The first myth is that consular services have been suspended for all Ukrainian men abroad.

The Foreign Ministry notes that the decision applies only to men of military age (from 18 to 60 years old). New applications from such citizens are no longer accepted temporarily.

“At the end of this period, applications will continue to be accepted. Men of military age who have clarified their data in accordance with the requirements of the law will be able to submit applications for consular services, get their slot in the electronic queue and get an appointment at the consulate,” the department noted.

Myth two

The second myth is that after such a decision, all Ukrainian men of military age are deprived of consular guardianship, including in case of emergency situations.

The department said that in case of emergencies (road accidents, detentions, natural disasters and more), Ukrainian men of military age will be provided with consular services.

In such cases, consulates do not take into account the status of men regarding military service or other characteristics.

Myth three

The Foreign Ministry writes that the third myth concerns the constitutionality of such a decision, since the law on mobilization has not entered into force.

The department explained that the decision “was forced”, since the period for consideration of new applications may exceed the period for the law on mobilization to come into force. At the same time, consular services were only suspended, not terminated.

Myth four

Another myth is that the decision suddenly suspended the provision of consular services for all men of military age.

The department reminded that all applications submitted before April 23 continue to be considered in full.

“Therefore, we are not talking about any suddenness, because the applications that were in progress continued to be processed. Only the acceptance of new applications from a separate category of citizens has been temporarily suspended to clarify the mechanisms for the provision of consular services in accordance with the adopted new law,” the Foreign Ministry added.

Myth fifth

The fifth myth is that the decision is unfair in relation to those men who are abroad legally or who left involuntarily and are not evaders.

The department emphasized that after the new mechanisms for clarifying their military registration data come into force, consular services will resume.

“If a man has clarified his details and has legal grounds to receive, in accordance with the requirements of the law, consular services, he will receive this opportunity. These are equal conditions and attitude of the state towards men in Ukraine and abroad,” the Foreign Ministry added.

Myth six

Another myth concerns that the decision violates international human rights conventions.

The Foreign Ministry again reminded that the decision is only temporary and will soon resume accepting new applications.

“We cannot talk about any violation of human rights in this case, because each state updates and clarifies its legislation,” they added.