Ukrainian refugees are no longer able to leave their State-provided accommodation temporarily, under new Government regulations.
It is understood the move is aimed at making Ireland less appealing to refugees.
The new regulations, in place since October 7th, reduce the length of time Ukrainians can leave their accommodation from seven days to zero.
However the Department of Integration is considering exemptions for the Christmas period, which could allow refugees to return to Ukraine for a temporary period if they wish do so.
Previously, a Ukrainian refugee who was living in State-provided accommodation could leave the country for seven days if they notified the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
The offices of the Refugee Legal Service, International Protection Office, in Dublin on 25/01/2023. Image: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ieUnder the new rules, however, if a Ukrainian refugee stays a night somewhere which is not the accommodation they were originally provided with, then their bed or room can be offered to someone else.
The Department of Integration has said that, where bed capacity is tight, they increase checks with accommodation providers to ensure all available beds are being used.
Over 100,000 Ukrainians have arrived here since the start of the invasion.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar outside Government Buildings, 08-06-2023. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNewsEarlier this week, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said there is a limit on Ireland’s capacity to provide for asylum seekers and people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
He warned that the Government may not be in a position to continue providing accommodation.
“Based on current numbers, it wouldn’t be far off that and we just don’t know if we’re able to provide that level of accommodation,” he said.
Mr Varadkar also said there are now a lot of “secondary movements” to Ireland, with Ukrainians who have been living in other Western European countries moving to Ireland for the better supports and social welfare benefits on offer.
“It’s a long-standing issue with international protection,” he added.
