Refugees from Ukraine have often faced a long and bumpy road from crossing the border into Estonia at the Ikla border checkpoint to receiving temporary protection status and a work permit, but the opening of a new refugee reception center in Pärnu on Monday should help improve the overall situation.
A new refugee reception center is to open in Pärnu on Monday to serve those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The center is to be housed in a former Pärnu police house, ETV news show 'Aktuaalne kaamera' (AK) reported Friday.
People in Estonia are very eager to help incoming war refugees, and many people have volunteered their help, but all of this needs to be better coordinated, the Police and Border Guard Board's (PPA) Emergency Headquarters said. The goal is for refugees to receive the help they most need at the right time.
Approximately a third of the 22,000 Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in Estonia so far need state support to find accommodation. The majority of new arrivals are currently staying with friends or family.