Nearly 80,000 Ukrainian refugees still in Ireland as war anniversary nears

People gather for a Ukraine independence rally in Dublin during Ukrainian Independence Day. Picture: PA

Close to 80,000 Ukrainian nationals remain resident in Ireland as the third anniversary of the outbreak of Russia’s invasion of their country approaches.

New statistics released by the CSO show that 112,189 Personal Public Service Numbers (PPSNs) were issued to Ukrainians who registered with the Department of Social Protection in order to access social services and employment since March 4, 2022, eight days after the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began.

Of those 112,189 beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTP), 71%, or more than 79,600, were still showing activity within Ireland’s State apparatus as of November 30 of last year, the CSO said.

The high number of Ukrainians who remain in Ireland contrasts with policy changes introduced by the Irish Government in recent months.

Last September, the level of welfare benefits available to Ukrainian refugees who had arrived during the first two years of the war was reduced from the full Jobseeker’s rate of €232 per week to €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child.

Many contracts with private providers regarding the provision of residential accommodation to BOTPs are now also being wound down, with the Department of Integration noting recently that “the need for accommodation for people affected by the war in Ukraine has decreased, and this is expected to continue.” 

The CSO said that of those who had arrived from Ukraine to date, some 23,803 – or roughly 30% of the total number of BOTPs still in Ireland – were earning income from employment, at an average weekly earnings of €503 per week.

The main sectors of employment were wholesale trade, transport, and accommodation, the CSO said.

Meanwhile, some 12,933 Ukrainian arrivals were enrolled in further education and training at the beginning of February, about three-quarters of which involved further education in English language courses.

Ukrainians living in Ireland who had engaged with employment support services had previously noted that English language proficiency had been a “challenge” in terms of securing employment.