The Slovak government passed a legislative amendent to the Lex Ukraine legislation. The amendment extends the temporary protection granted to individuals fleeing the ongoing war in Ukraine, and their corresponding rights, until 4 March 2025.

This extenstion has been eagerly awaited, as the legal status of those displaced from Ukraine was previously only assured until 4 March 2024. Research into the living conditions of this population in Slovakia highlights their significant insecurity, with the protection status and accommodation subsidies giving crucial support to many. 

The accommodation allowance provided to individuals hosting refugees since the start of the war in Ukraine was also revised, reducing the amount granted by half to €5 per person per night. The rationale behind this change, as explained in the amendment's explanatory report, is that "refugees who wish to remain in the Slovak Republic should be encouraged to integrate into regular life and help meet basic needs using their own resources". At the same time, the amendment does not refer to a prolongation of this allowance: the most recent extension of the measure runs until the end of March 2024.

Access to stable and affordable housing remains a high priority for people displaced from Ukraine. A recent multi-sector needs assessment indicates that altering the accommodation allowance granted to this population could adversely affect their integration: with 84% of their number currently relying on government subsidy schemes, they face a heightened risk of vulnerability. This risk could significantly increase if the subsidy schemes end or are substantially reduced, according to the report. This legislative amendment therefore necessitates additional measures to ensure access to housing for displaced Ukrainian populations, so the Ministry of the Interior is preparing an amendment to the asylum law to address the long-term sustainability of accommodation assistance provided to refugees.