Ireland changes rules on accommodation for newly arrived Ukrainians in state housing: details

Ireland is preparing to change the system for accommodating Ukrainian refugees arriving in the country. The authorities are considering reducing the length of stay in state housing and revising payments to homeowners who take in displaced persons. Find out what changes the Irish government is discussing and how they will affect new arrivals

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The Irish government is preparing new changes to the programme for accommodating Ukrainians arriving in the country. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has announced that the period of stay in state accommodation for new refugees may be reduced from the current 90 days to 30 days. This was reported by RTE.

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Why do they want to reduce the length of stay?

According to the minister, at least 50 Ukrainian citizens arrive in Ireland every day. This increase in the flow is linked to changes in Ukrainian legislation, which allowed men aged 18-22 to travel abroad. The authorities warn that if the current pace continues, the country's resources may run out by the end of November.

‘We in Ireland are very generous to people arriving from Ukraine. Currently, everyone receives 90 days of free accommodation, but the system needs to be reviewed — otherwise we will not be able to guarantee places for new arrivals,’ O'Callaghan said.

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What else could change

The government is considering other adjustments. These include refusing to provide accommodation to Ukrainians who already have temporary protection status in another European country. In addition, there are discussions about winding down the compensation programme for homeowners who provide accommodation to displaced persons. They currently receive €600 per month, but this mechanism may be phased out in the long term.

The Irish Refugee Board and representatives of the Ukrainian community have expressed concern about the new initiatives. The board's director general, Nick Henderson, stressed that 30 days is too short a period to find accommodation and settle into life in a country with an extremely tight rental market.

‘This may contravene the EU Temporary Protection Directive, which obliges states to provide refugees with decent housing,’ he said. Ukrainians living in Ireland also say that such measures will put additional pressure on new arrivals, who already face difficulties in adapting and finding housing.

The changes are still under discussion, but the government plans to make a decision in the near future to balance support for Ukrainians with the capabilities of the national accommodation system.

Assistance for Ukrainian refugees from Visit Ukraine

The extension of temporary protection in the EU in 2025 is an important step. The Visit Ukraine team provides comprehensive support to Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their country due to military action. You can receive:

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Reminder! Ireland remains one of the countries that actively supports Ukrainians during the war. Find out about the conditions of temporary protection for Ukrainians in Ireland in 2025: entry rules, obtaining status, access to housing, healthcare, education and work.

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