The Government of Ukraine has examined and endorsed the bill on amendments to the law on the legal status of the Ukrainians living abroad.

The bill essentially broadens the rights of the persons having a foreign Ukrainian status, Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Vasiunyk told the press.

If the amendments are adopted by parliament, foreign Ukrainians will have the right to work in Ukraine on the same grounds as Ukrainian citizens. Particularly, they will be able to receive health services and higher education in Ukraine.

The law on the legal status of the Ukrainians living abroad was passed in March 2004, since when about 5,000 people in different countries of the world have received the status of a foreign Ukrainian.