Ireland cuts housing assistance for Ukrainian refugees: what will change?

Ireland is changing its approach to supporting Ukrainian refugees, particularly with regard to free housing. Find out who will be affected by the changes, what is known about the government's plans, and how to prepare for the new conditions

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In Ireland, a gradual process of phasing out the free housing program for Ukrainians who arrived in the country after the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine has begun. According to The Times, the Irish government is already terminating some temporary accommodation contracts and preparing for further cuts in state support.

This decision is explained by several key factors:

● the need to integrate Ukrainian refugees into local communities;

● the gradual expiration of temporary protection in the EU;

● pressure on the state budget.

What is known about the Irish government's plans to end aid to Ukrainians

Irish Minister for Integration and Migration Colm Brophy has openly stated that the state cannot provide Ukrainians with housing indefinitely. According to him, most Ukrainian citizens have already adapted, and some have started to rent accommodation, find jobs, or receive other forms of support on their own.

The official also stressed that Ireland must harmonize its actions with the general European policy, which provides for the termination of temporary protection status.

Thus, in the future, the Irish government plans to completely stop centralized housing assistance for Ukrainian refugees, leaving only support for the most vulnerable categories of the population.

How will this affect Ukrainian refugees?

The gradual withdrawal of support means that newly arrived Ukrainians may no longer have access to free housing. In addition, those already living in state facilities should be prepared for relocation, shorter stays, or requirements to find other housing options.

Although Ireland has not yet announced an exact date for the complete termination of the program, the government emphasizes that it is not a long-term solution. Ukrainians are advised to prepare to find their own housing and to integrate more actively.

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How many Ukrainians are still receiving housing from the state in Ireland?

Since the beginning of russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ireland has provided temporary housing to more than 60,000 Ukrainians. These were hotels, dormitories, state-owned properties, and other premises that were converted into temporary accommodation.

As of August 2025, there were about 22,500 people still living in more than 670 state-funded facilities in the country. The rest have either returned to Ukraine or are renting accommodation themselves.

The total cost of the housing program for Ukrainians since 2022 has already reached €3.4 billion, which is a cause for concern in the context of the burden on Ireland's budget and the needs of other social programs.

All Ukrainians who are in Ireland under temporary protection or plan to come to the country in 2025-2026 should be aware of changes in migration policy and new residency requirements. In particular:

● closely follow announcements from the immigration service;

● update your documents;

● check the validity of your residence permit;

● look for long-term employment or study options;

● consider alternative housing options, including rented accommodation.

If you are unsure which legalization route to choose or have difficulties with paperwork, we recommend that you seek advice from Visit Ukraine's immigration lawyers. This will help you avoid violations, get legal support, and keep your right to stay in the country even after the temporary protection programs end.

Now is the best time to learn about your rights and options and get the necessary documents, including with the help of immigration law experts.

We remind you! The United Kingdom is gradually changing the entry requirements for Ukrainians in 2025. Read our previous article to find out whether the United Kingdom is currently accepting Ukrainians, what visas are available, how to apply, and what restrictions are currently in place.

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