In Ukraine, the mobilization exemption has been expanded for workers in one of the industries.

Ukraine allows to exempt utility workers from mobilization

Ukraine has allowed the exemption of up to 75% of utility workers from mobilization. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the relevant decree, which has come into effect.

According to the decision, the Cabinet of Ministers must amend the regulation on mobilization to allow the exemption of employees of enterprises that provide heating, hot water supply, water supply, and household waste management.

The decree of the National Security and Defense Council also provides for a review of the criteria for determining critical enterprises for the Armed Forces. It is also proposed to cancel the requirement for the absence of tax debts for enterprises that produce electric and thermal energy and have production capacities damaged by Russian sanctions.

Starting in 2024, workers can only be exempted if their salary is at least 2.5 times the minimum wage, i.e. no less than 20,000 hryvnias.

The exemption verification is conducted by representatives of the territorial recruiting centers

Representatives of Territorial Committees monitor the deferrals and exemptions of workers. This may create problems for enterprises trying to retain qualified specialists.

Automatic extension of mobilization deferrals will be introduced starting in 2025, with exempted workers receiving a deferral for the duration of the exemption. Additionally, enterprises that have confirmed their critical status can submit lists for new exemptions.