Ukrainians going home for Christmas must return by January 5 or lose shelter

Soldiers of Ukraine's National Guard 1st brigade Bureviy (Hurricane) practice during combat training at a military training ground in the north of Ukraine. Picture: AP

Ukrainians living in temporary shelters in Ireland will be permitted to return home for Christmas but must be back here by January 5 or risk losing their accommodation.

Under a protocol set out by government, Ukrainians living in State-funded temporary accommodation may travel and be absent from that accommodation without notifying the Ukraine Crisis Temporary Accommodation Team (UCTAT) in advance.