IOM Germany: Ukraine Response

IOM Germany

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Germany has stepped up efforts in response to the growing needs of Ukrainians and third-country nationals (TCNs) who were forced to flee Ukraine due to the ongoing war in the country by providing targeted information on available protection and assistance.

Furthermore, IOM Germany is committed to establish and improve protection and access to services for vulnerable populations. To this end, IOM is working with government authorities and civil society organizations, including diaspora networks and migrant self-organizations, which deliver assistance on the ground to people arriving in Germany.

This page features the main resources and information for people who fled Ukraine to Germany, as well as for local actors working on the matter.

Support for people fleeing Ukraine, first responders and volunteers

General Information

People coming to Germany from Ukraine can find information on the German Ministry of the Interior's help portal Germany4Ukraine regarding assistance, accommodation or medical care. 

The relevant pages of the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the German Ministry of Interior provide further information.

Handbook Germany has collected important information on entry and residence for people fleeing Ukraine, including housing, work permits, education etc.

Information on medical care and health insurance in Germany can be found on the respective pages of the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community and the public health insurances (GKV).

People who arrive in Berlin can check relevant information on the Berlin official portal. 

Third country nationals exiting Ukraine who are planning to come to Germany should reach out to the relevant embassy in Berlin. Here is a list of the Embassies in Berlin and their contact details.

 

Hotlines and Counselling

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) offers information and support via hotlines in Ukraine and the neighbouring countries. The numbers are available on the IOM global website.

People in Germany can contact this IOM Hotline to get information on housing, medical care, legal questions, employment as well as any further available support in Germany by calling the following numbers: +38 050 428 45 65, +38 050 030 22 68 and +38 050 428 46 60.

Women affected or threatened by violence can call this Help Line for counselling in several languages, including Ukrainian and Russian.

Children and young people who fled Ukraine to Germany can receive online counselling in Ukrainian and Russian free of charge and confidentially via email and chat by JugendNotmail. It is also possible to reach out to them via an app. 

Roma who have fled Ukraine to Germany can receive counselling in Romani, Ukrainian and Russian by calling +49 176 88215091 and 06621/9811-53. The hotline is available every day.

Information for adult immigrants on living in Germany is provided via free of charge chat-based counselling by mbeon.

Counter Trafficking

The German Federal Police provides tips on how to remain safe while travelling to Germany.

Learn how to remain safe on the way in the IOM KOK flyer to protect against human trafficking.

The German NGO network against human trafficking KOK provides a search function to find a specialised counselling centre in Germany.

IOM and KOK provide information in small video tutorials on the definition of human trafficking as well as tips for those supporting survivors. 

IOM and ILO share tips on how to stay safe from labour expoitation.

Faire Integration offers counselling on labour rights in Ukrainian and Russian.

Psychological First Aid

Field workers and volunteers can find important information and support in IOM's guide on psychological first aid. For more in-depth information on the topic, see  the WHO's Handbook for field workers on Psychological First Aid.

The films Flight and Trauma by the Max Planck Institut of Psychiatry address refugees and helpers. They explain possible somatic and mental symptoms which can occur after flight and migration - in order to obtain relief and to seek help. 

Gender-Based Violence

Information on how to support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) is compiled in the IOM GBV flyer, available in several languages including Ukrainian and Russian. The GBV Pocket Guide by the UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) provides in-depth information. The flyer and the pocket guide can be accessed here under GBV Resources.

IOM's videos on sexual and gender based violence "No one has the right to hurt you" are available in English, Ukrainian and Russian.

IOM's global Ukraine response

Information on IOM's response to the war in Ukraine, including regular situation reports and statements, is available here. 

MHPSS - Support services in Germany in Ukrainian or Russian

Here is a list of resources and organizations in your area that can assist you with a variety of challenges. You can filter the list by the type of support you are looking for and by location.

Please note that this is only a select list of organizations in the country. If you do not find what you are looking for on this list, it does not mean that it does not exist. Please note that these organizations and services are independent of IOM, and IOM cannot guarantee you an appointment.

Please check the respective website and/or contact the organization for the most accurate and up-to-date information on services and language availability, as this list is not updated regularly.

 

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The iFightDepression® website at ifightdepression.com provides information on depression in Ukrainian and Russian languages. It informs about symptoms, causes, treatment of depression and provides contacts. The website also offers support for refugees on trauma and coping with loss.

The iFightDepression tool is available in Ukrainian and Russian languages. It provides valuable information and practical exercises to help people manage depressive symptoms effectively. Additionally, there are tips on coping with 'trauma' and 'dealing with loss’. 

iFightDepression is a free service of the European Alliance Against Depression.