Ukrainian refugees who came to Ireland between 2022 and March 2024 will have their welfare allowances cut within three months, according to a new Cabinet memo.
Cabinet will discuss plans today to reduce the allowance of refugees who left Ukraine in the first two years of the war, bringing to the same level as those who came to Ireland after March 2024.
As many as 100,000 Ukrainian refugees would see their allowance reduced from €232 to €36.80.
This is due to take place within the next three months to allow Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman to give notice to the people affected.
'Safe' country review
According to the Cabinet memo, Justice Minister Helen McEntee will also soon give a report to the Government on the list of safe countries.
She will also submit a review of visa-free travel for countries with high levels of refugees leaving.
There are also plans for Mr O’Gorman to review entitlements of International Protection applicants.
A recommendation based on the review should be submitted within six weeks.
Enterprise Minister Peter Burke is also due to increase workplace inspections where there is an increased risk or reports of non-compliance with requirements and permit regulations for refugees.
Refugees from Northern Ireland
These measures to tighten migration come after a High Court judge in Belfast ruled the law allowing refugees in the UK to be sent to Rwanda cannot apply in Northern Ireland.
The judge ruled sections of the act undermine human rights protections guaranteed in the region under post-Brexit arrangements.
The judge also found several elements of the Illegal Immigration Act cause a "significant" reduction of the rights enjoyed by asylum seekers in Northern Ireland under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
Ireland welcomed an average of 87 asylum seekers per day in the seven days ending on May 5th - the highest number of weekly arrivals this year.
