Ireland Considers Payments for 125,700+ Ukrainian Refugees Returning Home

Ireland's Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, is considering a scheme to offer payments to Ukrainian refugees who return to their home country. This initiative, reported by The Sunday Times, would provide financial assistance to Ukrainians after they arrive back in Ukraine.

Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, over 125,700 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Ireland. O’Callaghan plans to present a memorandum to the government soon, addressing issues related to temporary protection. He cited Ireland's existing Voluntary Returns Programme, which aids individuals in the international protection system who cannot or do not wish to remain in Ireland, as a model for this new proposal.

O’Callaghan emphasized that while the proposal is not yet fully approved, it aims to encourage returns and provide necessary assistance. He noted the Ukrainian government's desire for its citizens to return. Ireland will also participate in an EU-led voluntary return and reintegration program for Ukraine, expected to start in March 2027 after a pilot this year.

This consideration comes as Ireland plans to phase out State-supplied accommodation for approximately 16,000 Ukrainians. Refugees who arrived before March 2024 were entitled to rent-free State accommodation, but a six-month phased withdrawal is expected to begin in August, with exceptions for vulnerable individuals.