Yesterday we took part in a discussion organized by NGO ZMINA about foreigners who have taken up residence in parts of Ukraine occupied by Russia.
The main question was about what happens after Ukraine re-gains control of the territory. International law says that a state has the authority to decide on possible expulsion of aliens who violate the migration laws, and it sets standards to make sure these decisions are fair.
For example, the European Convention on Human Rights prohibits collective expulsion of aliens. A state must consider each case individually with due process, taking into consideration various factors, especially the person’s family ties.
These human rights principles are a good guide for Ukraine in its planning.
