Well, in a statement attributed to PwC by the BBCU who are very careful about to whom they attribute quotes, quite rightly, we have this relating to Temporary Residence Permits/IM1 Visas:
The Ukrainian immigration authorities have implemented compulsory Interpol checks within the procedure of issuing temporary residence permits (TRP). This increases the duration of the initial procedure to five working days.
At this stage, there is no requirement to perform the same check while prolonging a TRP.
There is currently no official legislation regarding the procedure for obtaining/prolonging Ukrainian temporary residence permits. Therefore, some additional documents might be requested during the application procedure by different immigration authorities (e.g. the procedures and documents are different at the Kyiv and Kyiv Region immigration authorities).
Taking into account the continual changes in the list of required documents, applicants should be prepared to provide additional supporting/confirmation documents and information and allow sufficient time in the process to allow for such additional requests.
NOTE: The Kyiv City immigration authority has been audited by the Prosecutor’s office for the last several weeks and we are aware that documents related to the registration of a number of foreign nationals in Ukraine have been seized. The audit has also resulted in some staff changes, including the appointment of the new acting Head of the Kyiv City immigration authority.
Of course, no big deal, to introduce an Interpol check done for the IM1 Visa/ TRP (however you want to refer to it), it is part of the process for the IM2/Permanent Residency process already. Thus on the face of it just seems that Ukraine is trying to insure no internationally wanted villains get to hide in Ukraine for the year the IM1 Visa is valid for (or for good in the case of IM2).
What is more interesting is that the PGOs office has been auditing the Kyiv City Immigration Authority for the past few weeks, seized documents relating to some foreigners and replaced several of the staff. Unsurprisingly the boss’ head has also rolled, as one suspects that there will be a number of necessary documents “missing” or “suspect as to their authenticity” for some foreigners who are quite simply unable to get (or wished to circumvent) the complete list of documents for an appropriate “administrative fee”.
That is not to say the “administrative fee” went to the boss whose head has rolled. It may never have reached them. It is though their responsibility to insure that all is as it should be.
One wonders how these thing were not picked up in EU audits. For certain Odessa is subject to EU audits of the Odessa City Immigration Authority. I know, as last time I was there, the chap in charge (who is a friend) was undergoing the audit at the time I was sorting out IM2 documentation for an American gentleman I know.
Apparently, according to the Odessa Chief, Odessa is audited on average once every 6 months by the EU when it comes to foreigners and related documentation. Sometimes he will get a call in the morning stating the EU people will arrive in the afternoon and other times he gets no warning at all. True or not, I have no idea, but I have no reason to doubt him.
Was an EU audit responsible for the PGO action in the Kyiv City Immigration Authority? Was it the result of a police bribery sting? (They happen all the time in Odessa as well). It seems unlikely that it is politically motivated decapitation at the Kyiv City Immigration Authority for internal motives when it comes to using foreigners as a tool, although you never know I suppose.
