Ireland Approves Transition Scheme for Ukrainian Refugees, Reforms Work Permit System

Ireland's Cabinet has approved a transition scheme for Ukrainian refugees wishing to remain in the country after the EU temporary protection regime ends on March 4, 2027. To qualify, individuals must be employed with a minimum annual salary of €29,432 and have lived in Ireland for at least one year as a temporary protection beneficiary. Permission to stay will be granted for up to two years, renewable, and will contribute towards naturalisation.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan's plans also include a phased withdrawal of State-contracted commercial accommodation from August 2026 to March 2027. The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) will decrease from €600 to €400 monthly starting October 2026. Separately, Minister for Defence Helen McEntee noted a proposed cybersecurity Memorandum of Understanding with Ukraine.

Additionally, changes will be made to Ireland’s work-permit system to address labour shortages in construction, healthcare, transport, and agri-food sectors. Enterprise Minister Peter Burke briefed Cabinet on 28 updates to employment permit eligibility, including six new critical skills roles and nine new general permit roles without quotas. New roles include construction planners, geospatial surveyors, healthcare pharmaceutical technicians, and dental hygienists.

The 50:50 rule for hiring non-EEA staff in healthcare will be relaxed to a 40:60 split in key care roles to ensure services continue, while maintaining overall balanced hiring rules.