Ukrainians may be allowed stay in Ireland once directive expires

The Irish tricolour and the flag of Ukraine fly over Cork City Hall. Last month, EU countries confirmed the extension of the temporary protection directive to March 2027, with Ireland supporting the proposal. Picture: Larry Cummins

The Government may consider a new bespoke permission system to allow Ukrainian refugees remain in Ireland once the EU’s temporary protection directive expires in 2027.

Discussions on the future of how the State deals with Ukrainian refugees are under way within Government, with a raft of options being considered, including the international protection system.

However, sources have indicated Ukrainian nationals may be reluctant to move into the international protection system, as it would prohibit them from returning to Ukraine.

It could also lead to a significant increase in the number of people seeking international protection, which could potentially overwhelm Ireland’s decision-making systems.

Last month, EU countries confirmed the extension of the temporary protection directive to March 2027, with Ireland supporting the proposal.

It had previously been due to expire in March 2026.

However, there is no single EU strategy to deal with the ending of temporary protection, with national governments due to decide on their own how to proceed.

The European Commission has recommended to EU States to introduce a temporary residence permission for refugees, until it is possible for them to return to Ukraine.

One of the main exit strategies for the Government when the temporary protection directive ends is to return refugees back to Ukraine.

However, it is understood that returns are likely to be done on a phased basis, to coincide with reconstruction efforts within the country.

The Government is also considering moving Ukrainian refugees to legal residence status in Ireland.

However, under current rules, this would significantly restrict the number as it is typically linked to employment status or third-level education.

It is understood if existing rules were applied, around 10% of Ukrainian refugees currently in Ireland would be eligible for a general employment permit.

However, a new permission system could be considered by Government, targeted at Ukrainians who have lived, studied or worked in Ireland for several years and who have already integrated into society.

Earlier this year, the CSO said there are more than 79,600 Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection still living in Ireland as of November 30.

In total, there were 112,189 personal public service numbers issued to Ukrainians who then registered with the Department of Social Protection to access social services and employment since March 4, 2022, eight days after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.

In recent years, there have been a number of policy changes made, including reductions in welfare available to Ukrainians who arrived in the first two years of the war. 

This saw it fall from the full Jobseeker’s rate of €232 per week to €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child while in State accommodation.

Arrivals from Ukraine are also only permitted to access State-provided accommodation for the first 90 days, after which they are required to find their own lodgings.

However, when they leave State-provided accommodation, they are entitled to apply for standard social welfare assistance, if they meet the eligibility criteria.