Ireland continues to support Ukrainian refugees fleeing their homes due to Russian aggression. In 2024, the Irish Government has slightly changed the conditions for Ukrainians to stay, in particular, financial assistance to refugees has been reduced. Find out how much payments in Ireland will be reduced from September 2024 and other important details

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All the useful and relevant information about the life of Ukrainian refugees in Ireland is collected in our today's article. We will tell you how to organize your life with the help of temporary protection privileges in Ireland.

How to get to Ireland: route and ticket prices

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

The easiest way for Ukrainians is to arrive in Poland, Hungary, or Slovakia, and then take a direct Ryanair flight to Dublin. The ticket price starts at 299 zlotys (2,790 hryvnias). While a bus ticket from Warsaw to Dublin costs from 4 thousand hryvnias.

It is also possible to get to Ireland by ferry from France, which costs 72 euros (2,960 hryvnias).

Please note that you can get from Poland to France by low-cost airlines, the ticket price is from 10 euros. You can check the availability of tickets for low-cost airlines on our website.

Rules for entering Ireland in 2024

As of February 25, 2022, Ireland has completely abolished visa requirements for all Ukrainian citizens, so there is no need to obtain a separate permit before traveling.

According to the Irish government website, the main document for Ukrainians to come to Ireland is a biometric passport of a Ukrainian citizen.

At the same time, Ukrainian refugees in Ireland who intend to stay in the country for more than 90 days must apply for temporary protection status.

Earlier we wrote that entry to Ireland is prohibited without a biometric passport!

There are currently no restrictions in connection with the Covid-19 epidemic in Ireland.

Traveling to Ireland with pets is allowed. However, as of November 9, 2022, Ireland does not provide free accommodation for temporarily displaced persons arriving with pets. Border crossing is possible on a general basis. If you are missing documents (e.g. vaccinations), you should inform the Department of Food, Agriculture and the Marine in advance.

How to obtain temporary protection in Ireland and who can benefit from it?

Temporary protection status in Ireland, which gives you the right to live, work and study in the country, is valid until March 4, 2025, as in most other European countries. You can obtain protection status in Ireland upon arrival in the country by submitting an application. The protection applies to the following categories of people

a) citizens of Ukraine who resided in Ukraine before February 24, 2022;

b) citizens of a third country (other than Ukraine) or stateless persons who intend to use international protection (for example, refugee status) or equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and resided there before February 24, 2022

c) family members of persons covered by the conditions in paragraphs a) and b), if such family resided in Ukraine before February 24.

Family members are considered to be the spouse, unmarried minor children of either of them and other close relatives who were with them as part of the family before February 24, 2022.

A letter of authorization from the Department of Justice of Ireland granting temporary protection in accordance with the EU Directive is all that is required for immediate access to state support in Ireland.

Please note! Anyone who has not yet registered for and received an Irish residence permit (IRP Card) can contact the Department at [email protected].

Temporary protection in Ireland provides access to the labor market, as well as access to social security income support, accommodation and other state support.

Please note: If you apply for international protection, you will not be able to access the workplace for up to 6 months after submitting your application.

Where to apply for temporary protection in Ireland?

The permit is issued directly at the airports of Dublin or Limerick. A representative of the migration service will ask you a few questions during passport control and provide you with a letter of authorization, also known as a "yellow letter", according to which you will be entitled to live in Ireland for 1 year with the possibility of extending 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 apply for refugee status in Ireland, given that the procedure for its registration has of restrictions.

Thus, Ukrainians can receive assistance in obtaining temporary protection in Ireland directly at Dublin Airport. There are also centers for assisting displaced persons from Ukraine 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).
- 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).

Opening hours:
- 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.

Earlier we wrote why insurance is important in Europe.

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

In order for a Ukrainian to gain access to healthcare, 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 your local Intreo center.

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

After obtaining a PPS number, you will receive a plastic PSC (Public Services Card) with your PPSN and photo on it. You will need this card to register with the Irish government and to identify and confirm your PPS number.

After receiving your PPSN, you will be able to:

- receive social benefits;

- immediately work without the need to obtain 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.

How to extend temporary protection in Ireland?

To extend your temporary protection status, you do not need to apply to the authorities, your permit will be updated automatically. If necessary, you can download the updated document on the website of the Irish Migration Service.

Social support for Ukrainians in Ireland in 2024

On March 14, 2024, the decision of the Government of Ireland of December 12, 2023, on changing the conditions of stay of Ukrainian citizens in Ireland came 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, laundry and other services.

3. Among the latest changes is the reduction of social benefits starting in September 2024, which we wrote about in detail here. From now on, for those who live in state-provided housing on a full board basis and are not working, the amount of social security per week will be 38.80 euros for an adult and 29.80 euros for a child.

4. During the first 90 days, Ukrainians will be assisted in finding alternative housing, as well as provided with information support on the functioning of the healthcare system, labor market, educational and integration programs, etc.

For more information on why refugees in Ireland are entitled to live in public housing for only 3 months, please read here.

After a Ukrainian moves from public housing to another, he or she will be entitled to receive social security on an equal footing with Irish citizens.

Important! There is an acute housing problem in the country, and the Irish side cannot guarantee the provision of free housing. Renting a house for a fee is also 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 to Ireland.

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Benefits for Ukrainians with disabilities in Ireland

Having a disability is the basis for receiving social assistance in the amount of 220 euros per week. This payment is called disability allowance and as of August 2024 has not changed. Additionally, people with disabilities can get a wheelchair for free and are entitled to free public transportation for themselves and an accompanying person.

Housing in Ireland: how to find and why you can't save money

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

Rental prices 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 €1500, and in the capital about €2500 per month. In addition, you should expect to pay for utilities - from €100 per month.

You can find accommodation here.

Medical services in Ireland

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

If you are sick and need medical advice, you should visit your family doctor (GP). You usually need to make an appointment before visiting. You can find your family doctor here. If you do not have a medical card, the cost of an appointment is between €50 and €60.

In case of emergency, call 999 or 112 and call an ambulance.

Where to look for work in Ireland?

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

You can look for a job through Intreo, a local social service, where you can find a job according to your experience or access qualification courses.

Ireland is most in need of construction workers and programmers. Of course, knowledge of English will make it easier to find a job. You can work on farms, factories, supermarkets, etc. without English.

You can also look for a job on your own on websites: UA Talents, JOB for Ukrainians, Hire hor Ukraine.

Ireland has a minimum hourly rate for employees of €10.5 per hour. The average salary in Ireland is about 3 thousand euros.

In general, employment in Ireland is organized in such a way that you have to look for a job yourself. However, the presence of volunteers greatly simplifies this process. They help with resume writing and other issues, often leading you directly to the employer. It is also worth noting that many companies in Ireland provide jobs specifically for Ukrainian refugees.

Knowledge of English significantly increases the chances of finding a job in Ireland with a high salary.

Education in Ireland for Ukrainian children

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

Education in schools is free of charge. In addition, schools provide free textbooks and uniforms. Children are enrolled at the age of 4-5 years.

Kindergartens in Ireland are private and paid, with an hour of education costing about €12.

However, you can apply for the state ESSE program, which compensates the kindergarten for three hours of education per day.

You can read more about the Irish education system in our article.

About 18 thousand Ukrainian refugee children study in Irish schools. In 2024, 550 of these children successfully passed their final exams to continue their studies in Ireland, and all of them will now have the opportunity to study at Irish universities for free.

Important! Despite the reduction in social benefits and restrictions on housing benefits for Ukrainian refugees, the Irish government has extended the program of tuition fee waiver for Ukrainians.

"We are determined to continue the agreements that were in place last year. They provide those fleeing the war in Ukraine with free access to the third level of education," said Patrick O'Donovan, head of the Irish Ministry of Education.

Returning from Ireland to Ukraine

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

When returning to Ukraine from anywhere in the world, Visit Ukraine advises you to study this issue in more detail and carefully so that your arrival home is quick, comfortable and safe. If you are interested in such an outcome, or you simply need professional advice on the documentation and nuances of returning to Ukraine, please contact our trusted migration lawyers.

Our lawyers also help at all stages of preparation for leaving Ukraine, including for men of military age. If you need help with paperwork, choosing a country of temporary protection, moving, finding a job, or just for advice, please follow the link.

We remind you! On our website you can find a complete navigation on Ireland to find detailed and up-to-date information about this country.

Useful links:

• Immigrant Council of Ireland;

• Ukrainian Crisis Center In Ireland.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

Before moving to a new country or staying in it, use the legal support on our service. Useful advice for your safety.