Ireland poised to modify conditions for Ukrainians, reports media
Ireland is contemplating the cessation of free accommodation for recently arrived Ukrainian refugees after next March, according to the Irish Times. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Dublin is reportedly considering ending its free-accommodation scheme for Ukrainian refugees starting from March 2025.
The Irish government is evaluating the termination of its program that provides free housing for all new Ukrainian asylum seekers entering the country, according to the Irish Times. The report indicates that officials in Dublin are contemplating the introduction of a “maximum stay” policy to encourage refugees currently living in publicly funded accommodation to become self-sufficient.
In recent months, various EU member states have gradually reduced welfare programs for Ukrainian refugees, prompting them to either seek employment or return to their home country. Amid its ongoing mobilization efforts, Kiev has urged European nations to decrease financial support for its citizens abroad, aiming to encourage draft-eligible men to come back home.
In a Wednesday article, the Irish Times reported that the proposed discontinuation of free accommodation could take effect as soon as next March. Among the “policy levers” being considered by Irish government officials is a provision that would automatically end free housing for Ukrainians once their earnings surpass a specific threshold.
While these measures are under discussion by “senior officials,” they “have not yet been widely circulated among Ministers” or members of the country’s Cabinet committee on Ukraine, which is responsible for overseeing the accommodation of Ukrainian refugees, the newspaper mentioned.
According to data from the Department of Integration cited by the Irish Times, there are currently 35,833 Ukrainian asylum seekers living in state-provided housing.
In May, Irish authorities reduced welfare payments and limited state-funded accommodation for new arrivals to a maximum of 90 days instead of offering indefinite residency.
Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys explained earlier this year that previous generous welfare arrangements were “not sustainable in the long run.” She emphasized that the Irish government did not “want this country to be more attractive than any of our other European countries.”
In August, Hungary announced changes to its refugee policy, stating that individuals from parts of Ukraine considered unaffected by the conflict would no longer be eligible for free accommodation, though exceptions would be made for vulnerable persons.
Additionally, Eurostat, the EU’s statistics bureau, reported last month that in Germany, approximately 236,925 Ukrainian refugees had lost their temporary protection status within a single month. This status, established by the European Council, allows Ukrainian asylum seekers to enjoy an extended visa-free stay, along with access to free accommodation, medical care, and education.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
The Irish government is evaluating the termination of its program that provides free housing for all new Ukrainian asylum seekers entering the country, according to the Irish Times. The report indicates that officials in Dublin are contemplating the introduction of a “maximum stay” policy to encourage refugees currently living in publicly funded accommodation to become self-sufficient.
In recent months, various EU member states have gradually reduced welfare programs for Ukrainian refugees, prompting them to either seek employment or return to their home country. Amid its ongoing mobilization efforts, Kiev has urged European nations to decrease financial support for its citizens abroad, aiming to encourage draft-eligible men to come back home.
In a Wednesday article, the Irish Times reported that the proposed discontinuation of free accommodation could take effect as soon as next March. Among the “policy levers” being considered by Irish government officials is a provision that would automatically end free housing for Ukrainians once their earnings surpass a specific threshold.
While these measures are under discussion by “senior officials,” they “have not yet been widely circulated among Ministers” or members of the country’s Cabinet committee on Ukraine, which is responsible for overseeing the accommodation of Ukrainian refugees, the newspaper mentioned.
According to data from the Department of Integration cited by the Irish Times, there are currently 35,833 Ukrainian asylum seekers living in state-provided housing.
In May, Irish authorities reduced welfare payments and limited state-funded accommodation for new arrivals to a maximum of 90 days instead of offering indefinite residency.
Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys explained earlier this year that previous generous welfare arrangements were “not sustainable in the long run.” She emphasized that the Irish government did not “want this country to be more attractive than any of our other European countries.”
In August, Hungary announced changes to its refugee policy, stating that individuals from parts of Ukraine considered unaffected by the conflict would no longer be eligible for free accommodation, though exceptions would be made for vulnerable persons.
Additionally, Eurostat, the EU’s statistics bureau, reported last month that in Germany, approximately 236,925 Ukrainian refugees had lost their temporary protection status within a single month. This status, established by the European Council, allows Ukrainian asylum seekers to enjoy an extended visa-free stay, along with access to free accommodation, medical care, and education.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
