Ireland has already seen a wave of cuts in social benefits for Ukrainians, but previously they applied only to newly arrived Ukrainians. Now the authorities want to introduce changes for those who previously received 220 euros per week. Find out more about what innovations the government wants to introduce

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Ireland is again considering reducing social benefits for Ukrainians. This was reported by The Irish Times. It should be noted that the authorities have previously made changes to the rules for providing social assistance, which led to a significant reduction in the flow of refugees to the country.

What changes is the government preparing for Ukrainians in Ireland?

Starting March 14, 2024, new rules for providing assistance to newly arrived Ukrainians will apply. In particular, refugees are entitled to live in public housing only for 3 months and receive payments of €38.80 per week during this time. After moving out of public housing, the amount of payments increases.

After the introduction of these rules, the government began to actively discuss possible changes for those Ukrainians who arrived in the country before March this year. And now, as part of the tightening of migration measures, the authorities want to apply similar rules to Ukrainians who entered Ireland from 2022 to early 2024 and who are not working. Namely, to set the amount of social benefits at 38.80 euros per week for three months.

It is noted that the relevant departments will have to inform refugees about the changes within 12 weeks.

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Why is Ireland cutting benefits for Ukrainians?

Currently, the main goal of the state is to bring payments in line with other European countries. According to Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris, support for Ukrainian refugees should not depend on when they arrived in Ireland. Therefore, the cuts will affect everyone, not just newly arrived Ukrainians.

"We need to assess the contribution that people with refugee status (ed.) should make to the provision of accommodation. We need to make sure that everyone works legally, that there are more checks at workplaces," he said.

We remind you! The Irish government continues to support refugees from Ukraine seeking asylum. However, in 2024, Ireland changed some of the conditions of stay, financial assistance, etc. Read all about the current rules for obtaining protection for Ukrainians in Ireland in 2024 in our previous article.

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

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