The Irish government continues to support refugees from Ukraine seeking asylum. However, in 2024, Ireland has changed some of the conditions of stay, financial assistance, etc. Learn more about the current rules for obtaining protection for Ukrainians in Ireland in 2024

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As of the beginning of 2024, almost 97,000 Ukrainians have obtained temporary protection in Ireland. The Irish side accepts refugees who were forced to leave the country because of the war in Ukraine. However, in 2024, the Government of Ireland changed the conditions for Ukrainians, in particular, the country reduced financial assistance, but began to provide support during study and job search.

So, what has changed for Ukrainians in Ireland and how to apply for protection? We have collected all useful information about temporary protection in Ireland in 2024 in this article.

How to get to Ireland?

You can get to Ireland from one of the EU countries by air or land transport or by ferry.

- The easiest way is to come to Poland, Hungary or Slovakia, and then continue the journey on a direct Ryanair flight to Ireland. The ticket price starts at 299 zlotys (2,790 hryvnias).

- A bus ticket from Warsaw to Dublin costs from UAH 4,000.

- The ferry from France to Ireland costs 72 euros (2,960 hryvnias). You can get to France from Poland by low-cost, ticket price from 10 euros.

Rules of entry

Since February 25, 2022 Ireland has completely canceled visa requirements for all citizens of Ukraine, so it is not necessary to issue a permit before traveling.

The temporary protection status, which gives the right to live, work and study in the country, is valid until March 4, 2025.

There are also no restrictions due to the Covid-19 epidemic. From 6 March 2022 proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test is not required to enter Ireland.

Moving to the country together with pets is allowed. However, from 9 November 2022, Ireland will not provide free accommodation to temporarily displaced persons arriving with pets. Crossing the border is possible on general grounds. If documents are missing (such as vaccinations), you should notify the Irish Department of Food, Agriculture and the Marine in advance.

Important! At the same time, the issue of housing is acute in the country, currently the Irish side cannot guarantee the provision of free housing, and renting housing on a paid basis is extremely problematic in Ireland, given the lack of offers on the real estate market. Therefore, be sure to take this into account when planning your move.

Where to apply for protection?

Ireland provides asylum to Ukrainians on the basis of the Directive of the European Council on temporary protection. The permit is issued directly at Dublin or Limerick airports. During passport control, the immigration officer will ask you a few questions and give you a letter of permission, also known as a 'yellow letter', which gives you the right to live in Ireland for 1 year with the option to extend your status.

If you arrive at another airport or by ferry, you need to contact the local Intreo social service. It is not necessary to worry about refugee status in Ireland, given that the procedure for its registration has a number of restrictions.

Ukrainians can get help directly at Dublin airport. Also, centers for providing assistance to displaced persons from Ukraine are located in three cities of the country:

• Cork - Cork City PSC and PPSN Centre, Department of Social Protection, Hanover Street, Cork, T12 PX62 (Cork City PSC and PPSN Centre, Department of Social Protection, Hanover Street, Cork, T12 PX62).

• Dublin - Guild Building, Cork Street, Dublin 8, D08 XH90 (Guild Building, Cork Street, Dublin 8, D08 XH90).

• Limerick - 2nd Floor, Riverstone House, 23-27 Henry Street, Limerick City, V94 R7YE (2nd Floor, Riverstone House, 23-27 Henry Street, Limerick City, V94 R7YE).

Work schedule:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - from 09:15 to 17:00;

• Thursday - from 10:30 to 17:00;

• Friday - from 09:15 to 16:30.

The processing of an application for temporary protection takes an average of two weeks. You will have to wait a little longer for the health insurance provided by the status.

For help with receiving social benefits and with issues of document preparation, contact Intreo administrative service centers.

How to get an Irish Personal Public Services (PPS) number

In order for a Ukrainian to gain access to medicine, the labor market, and education, it is necessary to have a PPS number issued by the Department of Social Protection. You can get it directly at the Ukrainian assistance center at the airport or at the local Іntreo center.

PPSN is a unique identification number that contains 7 digits and two or three letters at the end. Every adult and child must complete it. The application for obtaining a number is submitted in person. You must have with you: Ukrainian passport, national identity card (ID card) or other document confirming your citizenship.

After registration of the PPS number, a plastic PSC card (Public Services Card) will be sent to your post office, on which your PPSN and photo will be written. You will need it to register with government agencies in Ireland and to identify and confirm the PPS number.

After receiving a PPSN, you will be able to:

- receive social benefits;

- work immediately without the need to issue an additional work permit and gain access to the labor market at the level of EU citizens;

- children will have the opportunity to study in Irish schools without hindrance from the date of arrival in the country.

Social support for Ukrainians in Ireland in 2024

On March 14, 2024, the decision of the Government of Ireland dated December 12, 2023 regarding changes in the conditions of stay of Ukrainian citizens in Ireland entered into force:

1. The state will provide temporary housing for up to 90 days.

2. During their stay in social housing, refugees will be provided with food, the opportunity to wash clothes and other services.

3. The amount of social security per week will be EUR 38.80 per adult and EUR 29.80 per child.

4. During these 90 days, Ukrainians will be assisted in finding alternative housing, as well as provided with informational support regarding the functioning of the health care system, the labor market, educational and integration programs, etc.

After the Ukrainian moves from state housing to another housing, he will have the right to receive social security at the same level as citizens of Ireland.

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Payments for Ukrainians with disabilities

The presence of disability is the basis for receiving social assistance in the amount of 220 euros per week. This payment is called disability allowance. In addition, people can get a chair for free and also have the right to free travel in public transport for themselves and an accompanying person.

Housing in Ireland

The amount of affordable accommodation in Ireland is currently very limited, so you will need to stay where there is affordable accommodation at the time of your arrival.

Prices for renting housing in the country are quite high. A private room in a shared apartment will cost about €950 per month, a house in a small town will cost €1,500, and in the capital it will cost about €2,500 per month. Also, you should expect to pay for utilities - from €100 per month.

You can find housing by following the link.

Medical services

Access to medicine, provision of necessary medicines, including visits to general practitioners is provided immediately after obtaining a PPSN. All services are free for Ukrainians who have obtained the status of temporary protection.

If you are ill and need medical advice, you should contact your family doctor (GP). Before the visit, you usually need to make an appointment. You can find a family doctor by following the link. If you do not have a medical card, the cost of the appointment is between €50 and €60.

In an emergency - call 999 or 112 and call an ambulance.

Where to look for work?

Obtaining temporary protection in Ireland gives you the right to work immediately without the need to obtain an additional work permit. You will have access to the labor market at the level of EU citizens.

You can search for a job through Іntreo - a local social service, here you can find a job according to your experience or get access to qualification courses. Ireland needs construction workers and programmers the most. Of course, knowing English will make it easier to find a job. Without knowing English, you can work on farms, factories, supermarkets, etc.

You can also search for a job independently on the following sites: UA Talents, JOB for Ukrainians, Hire hor Ukraine.

In Ireland, the minimum hourly rate for employees is €10.50 per hour. The average salary in Ireland is about 3 thousand euros.

Education

Ukrainian children have the opportunity to study freely in Irish schools from the moment they arrive in the country.

Education in schools is free. In addition, schools provide free textbooks and uniforms. Children are sent to school at the age of 4-5.

Kindergartens in Ireland are private and paid, an hour of education costs about €12. However, it is possible to apply for the state Esse program, which compensates the kindergarten for three hours of the child's education per day.

How to extend temporary protection in Ireland?

It is not necessary to contact the institutions to extend the status of temporary protection, the permit will be renewed automatically. If necessary, you can download an updated document from the Irish Migration Service website.

Return from Ireland

The government of Ireland plans to introduce financial assistance to Ukrainians in 2024 in order to motivate them to return home. It is designed for those citizens who have housing in their homeland, but financial difficulties prevent them from returning. The size of the aid has not yet been determined.

Useful links:

• Immigrant Council of Ireland;

• Ukrainian Crisis Center In Ireland.

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