Ukraine is looking to introduce a special procedure for calculating insurance seniority for people working in areas of active hostilities. It is proposed that one year of such work should count as two years of service, whilst a multiplier of 1.5 should be applied to workers in communities under threat of hostilities. A corresponding draft law has already been tabled in the Verkhovna Rada. The initiative was put forward by Ihor Terekhov, the mayor of Kharkiv and head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities. The new provisions could apply to medical staff, teachers, utility workers, energy sector employees and social workers.
- It is proposed that one year’s service in an active combat zone should count as two.
- A service length coefficient of 1.5 is applied to areas where hostilities may occur.
- The new safeguards may be extended to workers in five key sectors.
- The concessions are to be applied to confirmed periods of employment from 24 February 2022.
Who is eligible for double insurance contribution periods?
The initiative provides for special status for civilian specialists who ensure the functioning of frontline communities despite constant shelling and the threat of hostilities.
This applies, first and foremost, to healthcare and social care workers, teachers, energy sector staff, utility workers and other professionals whose work is essential to the functioning of communities.
During a meeting with social workers in Kharkiv Igor Terekhov emphasised that their working conditions differ significantly from the situation in the rear regions.
«People who continue to work in frontline areas deserve special status.».
The proposal does not apply solely to current employees. It is planned that preferential service time will be credited for periods of employment from 24 February 2022 that are supported by documentary evidence, including for those who were on business trips or worked on a rotational basis.
What additional safeguards does the draft bill provide for?
Bill No. 16200 was tabled in the Verkhovna Rada on 29 October 2026. It was drafted with the involvement of the Association of Frontline Towns and Communities and members of parliament from the cross-party group «Frontline areas».
In addition to the special procedure for calculating length of service, the document provides for additional paid leave, guarantees regarding remuneration, medical and psychological support, rehabilitation and social protection for employees’ families.
It is also proposed that certain types of income be exempt from personal income tax for confirmed periods of work in areas of active hostilities.
When will the new rules on calculating length of service come into force?
The draft bill is currently under consideration by the Verkhovna Rada. Its registration does not mean that double length of service or other social guarantees will automatically be introduced.
In order to come into force, the proposed amendments must be debated in parliament, passed and signed by the President.
If MPs support the initiative as proposed, preferential service time may also be taken into account for previous periods of work in frontline areas, starting from the date of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
