**Ukraine’s Parliament Considers Easing Travel Ban for Men Ages 18-24**
The Ukrainian parliament, known as the Verkhovna Rada, is considering a proposal to allow men aged 18 to 24 to travel abroad. This move would ease current wartime restrictions, according to Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk.
Currently, men in this age group are not subject to mobilization but are still barred from leaving the country unless they qualify for exemptions, such as medical reasons or official business. Stefanchuk emphasized the need to find a legal mechanism to uphold basic rights for young men who are not eligible for conscription. These include the right to pursue education, work opportunities, or reunite with family abroad.
**A Necessary Change?**
“There are people aged 18 to 25 who are not subject to mobilization, but they cannot exercise their rights,” Stefanchuk said. “We must find a mechanism to enable them to exercise their rights.” Several proposals are under discussion to liberalize exit rules, including the establishment of clear criteria and permitting certain categories of individuals to travel.
This change is long overdue. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, men aged 18 to 60 have been prohibited from leaving Ukraine without special exemptions due to martial law. These restrictions have had a significant impact on young men who are not subject to mobilization but still want to pursue their education, work, or family obligations.
**The Impact of Martial Law**
Since the invasion, thousands of students studying abroad have been forced to return to Ukraine or put their studies on hold. Humanitarian volunteers and aid drivers have also faced difficulties in leaving the country to carry out their work. Easing travel restrictions for men aged 18-24 would not only alleviate individual suffering but also help to maintain stability and continuity in various sectors.
**What’s Next?**
While no final decision has been made, lawmakers expect the committee to issue its recommendations soon. If implemented, this change could provide much-needed relief to young men who are not subject to conscription but still face restrictions on their freedom of movement.
It remains to be seen whether this proposal will become a reality, but one thing is certain – Ukraine needs more inclusive and flexible policies that take into account the diverse needs of its citizens.
