Azerbaijani lawyer warns of tighter checks for foreigners entering Ukraine

During the war, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have significantly tightened checks on foreigners entering the country, Azerbaijani lawyer in Ukraine Shamsi Maharramov told Report's Eastern Europe bureau.

"This is evident both when entering Ukraine and in document checks inside the country. Therefore, we would advise Azerbaijani citizens, in particular, to correctly state the purpose of their visit when travelling to Ukraine. For example, if they are coming for work, they should have a letter from the relevant company. If they are coming for education, they should have a document from the relevant institution. Or, if they are already applying for a residence permit inside Ukraine, they should state the real reason.

Otherwise, after some time, as a result of checks carried out by the Ukrainian Migration Service and law enforcement agencies, the residence permits of many foreign citizens are cancelled. As a result, they are deported. This concerns people who obtained residence permits on false grounds," Maharramov added.

The lawyer noted that the problems faced by people travelling to Ukraine via Moldova are mainly related to the lack of documents confirming the purpose of the visit.

"It would be better for them to carry an invitation letter or, if available, documents related to a residence or work permit in Ukraine," he said.

Ukraine's airspace has been closed since the start of the war. Azerbaijani citizens mainly travel to and from Ukraine via Moldova.