Stephane Place, edited by Wassila Belhacine 12:10 p.m., March 24, 2022

26,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in France since the start of the conflict.

Nearly 100,000 of them are expected in France according to the government.

For the refugees already on the territory, the State services organize themselves to offer them social and financial protection.

Report in Bordeaux for Europe 1. 

REPORT

It has now been a month since the war in Ukraine began and more than 26,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in France.

Eventually, nearly 100,000 Ukrainian refugees are expected by the government.

These refugees benefit from immediate support thanks to a residence permit granted in all European countries.

This precious sesame marks the beginning of a journey to then find housing, obtain social protection and financial assistance. 

A dedicated payment card 

Like every afternoon, around forty Ukrainian refugees are welcomed here, at the Gironde prefecture, with a one-stop shop system: "This is where we take fingerprints and we will issue a temporary renewable residence permit. after six months, as many times as Europe will grant protection", explains Marc Douchant, director of immigration at the microphone of Europe 1.

This temporary residence permit makes it possible to trigger the delivery of a payment card: "A card which allows them to receive a monthly allowance", explains Lydie Rouge, who heads the French Office for Immigration and Integration in Bordeaux 

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For a family of two adults and two children, the card will be topped up with 700 euros per month, she explains.

“It's a payment card valid in all stores and it doesn't require a bank account,” adds Lydie Rouge.

"In Ukraine, even an old lady like me has to pay for her medicine" 

Refugees also benefit from French social protection via the Primary Health Insurance Fund.

A right that strongly moves Nadia, an 80-year-old grandmother who fled Ukraine: "Thank you! It's amazing. In Ukraine, even an old lady like me has to pay for her medication. Not like here in France."

In the hall of the prefecture, Pôle emploi has also opened a reception point consulted by around 30% of Ukrainian refugees wishing to find work, particularly in the health sector.