Temporary Protection - Ireland | DIP EUAA
PDF generated on 2026-01-14 11:49
Ireland transposed the Temporary Protection Directive in Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015 and activated temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine as of 9 March 2022.
Following the latest extension, residence permits are valid until 04 March 2026.
Ireland transposed temporary protection in the International Protection Act 2015
| Area | Competent national authority | Assistance to the competent authority (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| Screening at the external border (if relevant) | Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration | An Roinn Dlí Agus Cirt, Gnóthai Baile agus Imirce Police | N/a |
| Biometric data (if relevant) | Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration | An Roinn Dlí Agus Cirt, Gnóthai Baile agus Imirce | N/a |
| Granting temporary protection | Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration | An Roinn Dlí Agus Cirt, Gnóthai Baile agus Imirce | N/a |
| Issuing the residence permit | Immigration Service Delivery within the Department of Justice | N/a |
| Providing accommodation | Ukraine Crisis Temporary Accommodation Team (UCTAT) | N/a |
| Medical care | Health Service Executive (HSE) | N/a |
| Social welfare | Department of Social Protection | N/a |
Temporary Protection in Ireland applies to the following groups of people who have had to flee Ukraine due to the invasion by Russia:
- Ukrainian nationals who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
- Nationals of a third country (other than Ukraine) or a stateless person who would have benefited from international protection (for example: Refugee status) or an equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and were residing there before 24 February 2022;
- Family members of persons covered by a) and b), where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February
Family members include a spouse or partner, unmarried minor children of either of them, and their other close dependent family relatives who have been living with them as part of the family unit before 24 February 2022.
Temporary protection also applies to nationals of a third country (other than Ukraine) and stateless people who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 with a permanent Ukrainian residence permit, who cannot safely return to their country of origin.
People who arrive in Ireland who had been legally residing in Ukraine prior to 24 February 2022 with a temporary or short-term residence permit issued by the Ukrainian authorities, will be assisted to return to their country of origin, with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), if it is safe for them to do so.
The Ministry of Justice lifted all the visa requirements between Ukraine and Ireland on 25 February 2022.
The waiving of visa requirements is an emergency measure which will apply to all Ukrainians travelling to Ireland. In case of travel to Ireland without a visa during the period of invasion of the Ukraine, a standard 90-day entry permission will initially be given while appropriate support and protection measures are put in place.
People transiting through another EU country or the UK may need a transit visa.
All immigration services and airlines must be satisfied as to the identity of a person presenting at a border. However, in order to facilitate travel for Ukrainian nationals fleeing the conflict zone, a pragmatic and humane approach will be taken while maintaining appropriate immigration and security controls.
In this view, carriers have been asked to accept Government issued identity documents including, for example, National ID Cards, Birth Certificates, Internal Passports and expired passports, which are not usually acceptable for international travel, in lieu of a national passport. From the 05 June, 2024, Temporary measures which allowed Ukrainian nationals to travel to Ireland without a valid biometric passport ceased to be in effect. In accordance with section 4 of the Irish Immigration Act, 2004, all third country nationals, including Ukrainians, who are travelling to Ireland must be in possession of a valid passport
From Sunday 6 March 2022, travelers to Ireland are not required to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative PCR test result upon arrival. Moreover, there are no post-arrival testing or quarantine requirements for travelers to Ireland.
Any individual that develops COVID-19 symptoms while in Ireland should follow the HSE guidance in relation to isolation and undertaking antigen or PCR testing as appropriate.
An interim Health Service Executive (HSE) health service support model is in operation at Dublin Airport and other ports of entry. This model provides for:
- immediate medical assessment/ provision of prescriptions for existing conditions
- management of minor ailments and first aid requirements
- identification of immediate complex health issues which require pathways into secondary acute or community services
Information platforms (websites)
Irish government website Ireland's response to the situation in Ukraine with targeted information in English, Russian and Ukrainian including information on arriving, accommodation, healthcare, employment, childcare and rights.
Information on Temporary Protection for People fleeing the conflict in Ukraine by the Ministry of Justice website including FAQs.
Leaflets
• Supports for children with disabilities to access early childhood care and education (EN, UK, RU)
• A Parent's Guide To Childcare In Ireland (EN, UK, RU)
• Frequently asked question (EN, UK, RU)
Information points
Information on rights and services is provided by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and the Department of Social Protection at the arrival in the reception hubs at Dublin Airport and Rosslare port. Information is available also in the Ukraine Support Centres in Dublin, Cork and Limerick, provided by the same authorities. Representatives from the Citizens Information Service are also available in these hubs to help people from Ukraine with enquiries of a more general nature. In addition, relevant Information can be obtained in any of the Social Protection Department’s Intreo Centres.
Other
• Irish Refugees Council dedicated section. In addition, the NGO launched a portal with information related to resources provided by the Irish Government, access to healthcare, housing, adult education and school translated also in Ukrainian.
• Nasc and the Irish Immigrant council of Ireland
• UNHCR Ireland dedicated pages on how to reach Ireland, temporary protection and some FAQ in their website.
Pets: The department of Agriculture, Food and Marine has issued Information for vets regarding pets from Ukraine and established special provisions for pets brought by people from Ukraine.
The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is competent for the identification of eligible persons at the airport. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration issues the relevant documentation.
| Registration | Upon arrival at the Dublin airport or any other entry point, applicants should present to an Immigration Officer for Passport Control and hand over any identification documentation available. The immigration officer will identify the individual as a potential beneficiary of the Temporary Protection Directive and ask some basic questions in relation to his/her individual needs. The applicants are transported to the Ukraine Response Hub in Citywest where they can make their applications to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. They will also have access to the Department of Social Protection, the HSE and UCTAT at this hub. Applicants can also make an application for Temporary Protection in Cork and Limerick. Finally, a document confirming the Temporary Protection under the EU Directive is issued by the Department of Justice and handed to the Refugee. This gives people legal permission to reside in Ireland for a period of 1 year which may be extended for further periods. |
|---|---|
| Residence permit | As of 9 March 2022, people who are entitled to Temporary Protection and arrive at Dublin airport will be provided with a temporary protection certificate by the Department of Justice detailing their temporary protection in the State. This temporary protection certificate will enable them to access all necessary supports as soon as possible and gives people legal permission to reside in Ireland for a period of 1 year which may be extended for further periods. Those who arrived in Ireland prior to 9 March or have arrived into another port of entry to the State can apply for temporary protection by attending the Ukraine Transit Hub in Citywest, the INTREO office in Hanover Street in Cork or the INTREO office in Dominick Street in Limerick. Applicants are also registered on the Immigration system to enable them to receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. As of now, the temporary protection certificate is the only document needed to receive the Personal Public Services Number (PPSN), a unique reference number that allows to get social welfare benefits and public services in Ireland. Ireland introduced an online application system for renewal of temporary protection in February 2025. |
| Legal aid | Legal aid is not foreseen for temporary protection applicants |
| Appeal | If a person is refused temporary protection they can return and reapply for temporary protection. There is no limit to the number of times an applicant can come back provided that they can provide more evidence of eligibility. |
| Exclusion | A person may be excluded from temporary protection by the Minister in the following circumstances: There are serious reasons for considering that the person:
|
| Termination/Withdrawal | A temporary protection permission may be revoked in certain circumstances:
|
The Ukraine Crisis Temporary Accommodation Team (UCAT) under the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Immigration is in charge of coordinating the accommodation for people fleeing Ukraine.
Initial reception:
The Citywest Hotel provides overnight accommodation and all new arrivals are then advised to present to the Citywest Transit Hub to be processed for accommodation the following working day.
Upon arrival in the Citywest Transit Hub, new arrivals who have been processed and granted temporary protection are processed for accommodation. They are also provided with information on entitlements and assessed for accommodation needs.
Depending on where they enter Ireland, the following are the steps that persons fleeing the conflict in Ukraine takes on arrival:
* Those arriving at Dublin Airport or Dublin Port are bussed to the Citywest Convention Centre for allocation of Temporary Protection Certificates by Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration officials, and registration for PPSN numbers with the Department of Social Protection. Medical declaration forms are completed and all those in need are triaged by the HSE.
* Those looking for accommodation from UCTAT move to the Transit Hub where they are processed and allocated temporary accommodation, in line with Government policy, and then transported to that accommodation.
* Arrivals to other points of entry into Ireland are processed by Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and Department of Social Protection officials and are then assisted by Local Authorities or NGOs in registering with DCEDIY for temporary accommodation and transport.
The operational hours in CWTH for BOTP processing changed on 4 October 2024. Accommodation processing hours are now Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5.30pm.
The last admission to Citywest for processing for BOTPs without TP will be at 2:30pm and anyone arriving after the cutoff time will be processed the next day. If overnight accommodation is required a bus will run each evening Monday-Friday at 5pm to a reception centre
Accommodation:
State Funded Accommodation for Pre-March 2024 Arrivals
Ukrainians arriving before 14th March 2024 were eligible for state-provided accommodation. While residing in these fully serviced facilities, they were generally eligible for standard social welfare payments equivalent to those available to the Irish citizen.
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection were required to contribute towards payment for meals in order to avail of this State provided accommodation.
On 14 March 2024 the Government implemented a timebound accommodation policy for all new arrivals fleeing the war in Ukraine. Under this policy, people arriving after 14 March 2024 are entitled to 90 days of state provided accommodation in a 90-Day Designated Accommodation Centre (90-Day DAC). Intensive supports are provided in these centres to assist people to move towards independent living in Ireland including assistance in sourcing accommodation (through the Pledge programme administered by the Irish Red Cross or Offer a Home programme under the Local Authorities), advice and support to engage with the social welfare and healthcare systems from the Department of Social Protection and HSE, employment activation and language supports. The International Organisation for Migration provide guidance on integration into Irish society. People in Ireland prior to 14 March 2024 are not affected by this change.
- Rapid Builds and Modular Units: Delivered under two different Government programmes, aimed at providing independent living arrangements for families with children. Each family pays a contribution towards their accommodation costs.
- Rapid Builds and Modular homes: In April 2022, the Government asked the Office of Public Works (OPW) to evaluate the feasibility of developing a rapid build, volumetric modular unit option to accommodate BOTPs. A total of 654 units and accommodating 2,640 residents will be delivered on 11 sites.
- In March 2024, the government announced changes to the supports to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Under the revised approach, newly arriving Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) from Ukraine who seek State accommodation are accommodated in Designated Accommodation Centres for a maximum of 90 days during which time they also receive reduced income support payments.
- Any Beneficiary of Temporary Protection Payment (BOTPs) living in a Designated Accommodation Centre (90- day DAC) will be entitled to a net weekly payment of €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child subject to an income test.
- When a Beneficiary of Temporary Protection leaves a Designated Accommodation Centre or makes their own accommodation arrangements on arrival, they will be entitled to apply for standard social protection assistance, subject to meeting the standard eligibility conditions.
- No state-supported accommodation will be provided after the 90 days elapses, other than the supports provided through the Offer a Home or pledged accommodation schemes.
Provision for means to obtain housing: Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection may apply for state housing support such as Rent Supplement or Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS).
| Rights | Description |
|---|---|
| Access to the labour market | Information on labour market is available on the Government website Ireland's response to the situation in Ukraine – Employment and self-employment. Once a Refugee received the temporary protection certificate confirming the Temporary Protection under the EU Directive, he/she is entitled to seek employment or self-employment. Vocational training are available under national the campaign called "the right course." For additional information consult the Overview of national measures regarding employment and social security of displaced persons coming from Ukraine - Country Fiches by the European Labour Authority. |
| Access to medical care | Information on medical care is available on the Government website Ireland's response to the situation in Ukraine – Healthcare. A simplified and streamlined medical card application process is in operation for Ukrainian refugees. For those placed in emergency accommodation, the HSE has put in place a framework which ensures provision of specific GP services and access to prescriptions. In addition, Safety Net are providing GP clinics to facilities located in Dublin. Enhanced translation services are in place and this information has been shared with all health services including GPs. The HSE has issued public health guidance to inform local service response models. It has also established a dedicated webpage on access to healthcare services in Ukrainian and Russian. Ukrainian nationals will be able to get health services as people who are already living here, including Irish citizens. This include the following:
In case a refugee is not able to speak English, the medical staff may arrange interpretation services. In some cases, the hospital or health clinic can provide an interpreter. |
| Social welfare assistance and means of subsistence | Information on social assistance is available on the Government website Ireland's response to the situation in Ukraine – Social welfare. Beneficiaries of Temporary protection are entitled of an income support called Supplementary Welfare Allowance, a weekly social welfare payment also offered for adult and child dependents. The amount goes from EUR 206 for adults aged above 25 (with a supplement of EUR 138 per dependent adult or EUR 40/48 per dependent child) to EUR 117.70 for adults from 18 to 24 years old. Reduced rates of Supplementary Welfare Allowance do not apply in case of individuals under 25 years of age who:
The department will pay Child Benefit to parents or guardians for each child aged under 16 years. Child Benefit is EUR 140 a month for each child. Parents can also get Child Benefit for children aged 16 and 17 if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves. Refugees may apply for income supports at one of the local offices. The staff of the office will help with the applications and to get the PPSN in case it was not provided before. All income support claims are being fast-tracked for processing and all resources are being made available to ensure PPS Numbers and payments are issued as quickly as possible. On 14 March 2024 the Government implemented a timebound 90-Day Accommodation Policy for new arrivals. Those accommodated in 90-Day Designated Accommodation Centres for this period receive a BOTP weekly payment of €38.80 for adults and €29.80 for children. Following government decision, since 9 September 2024 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection residing in Full Board Designated Accommodation Centres where meals and utilities are provided are receive the BOTP weekly payment of €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child, with a supplement of €70 per adult and €35 per child to defray the cost of mandatory contributions for food expenses, to be paid to the full board accommodation provider. Where Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection depart a 90-Day DAC or Full Board DAC they are entitled to apply for full social welfare payments, subject to the normal eligibility criteria. |
| Education | Information on education is available on the Government website Ireland's response to the situation in Ukraine – Education. Education is compulsory for children under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, which requires that children attend school up to the age of 16, or for a minimum of three years of secondary education. Children aged between 4 and 18 will be supported to access public primary or post-primary education provided by the State as appropriate. The Department of Education and Youth established the Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) to support the needs of Ukrainian children arriving in Ireland. These teams now also support IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Service) arrivals where school placements are required either during accommodation in, or following resettlement from, ROC (reception and orientation centres) or as part of other state sponsored programmes or resettlements. These Education and Language Teams are hosted by the 16 regional Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and will be staffed by existing regionally based education-support personnel working closely together to ensure good co-ordination and alignment of supports for these children. The primary role of REALT is to assist children in finding school places and to support schools to meet the needs of these children as they arise, to advise and support the department in developing new capacity where required, and to co-ordinate the provision of education services to children and families across their defined area. These teams ensure that clear, accessible information flows are in place between schools, local education support services and national support structures in relation to Ukrainian and IP (International Protection) applicants. The regional teams are hosted and administratively supported within the ETBs and lead a network of other key agencies, including Tusla Education Support Service (TESS), National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) regional personnel, National Council for Special Education (NCSE) regional personnel and management body local nominees working together with local schools. All of the key agencies working together in a holistic manner bring added value and efficiencies to the process of supporting Ukrainian and IP children. Ukrainian and IP families may enroll their children in schools as per usual practice although REALT are available to assist these families where difficulties arise such as a lack of capacity. The Tusla Education Support Service can assist to find a school for a child. Once in mainstream education, a minor may access English language tuition, which is the main national support available to migrant children in general in Irish schools. General social and academic guidance supports, and other learning supports may also be available in the school. The supports are generally provided as part of a mainstream approach that targets all migrant children with English as an additional language or children with additional educational needs. The state agency responsible for promoting the quality, integrity and reputation of Ireland’s further and higher education system (QQI) developed a https://qsdocs.qqi.ie/Downloads/User Guide for NARIC database 010217.pdf to help those arriving from Ukraine comparing their qualifications to similar awards on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. The guide is also available in Ukrainian and Russian. The Minister for Further & Higher Education has indicated that Ukrainians will be treated as if Irish - so eligible for EU fees not the international fee. But the official information from the department is to still to be issued. SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland's national awarding authority for all Further and Higher education grants. Normally to be eligible for SUSI there are two very strict criteria: Nationality (must be Irish National or have Refugee Status/Subsidiary Protection/Permission to Remain) and Residency (must reside in Ireland for 3 of the past 5 years. However, these limitations are being reviewed. The 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across the country offer English language skills courses for adults. If a beneficiary of Temporary Protection requires to learn English, ETB, after an assessment of the language level, will arrange appropriate language and other learning supports free of charge. |
| Family reunification | Family members of persons granted Temporary Protection may be eligible for TP where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February Family members include a spouse or partner, unmarried minor children of either of them, and their other close dependent family relatives who have been living with them as part of the family unit before 24 February 2022. |
| Other | Information not currently available |
Unaccompanied child under age 18 years who arrives in Ireland through one of its entry point seeking temporary protection from Ukraine are referred to the Child and Family Agency (TUSLA), who will provide all the relevant support.
Department of Education issues guidance for parents and carers from Ukraine to support the wellbeing of children from Ukraine, available in English, Ukrainian and Russian.
The Separated Children’s Team in TUSLA are responsible for the care and welfare of persons under the age of 18 years in Ireland. Unaccompanied minors are assigned to a TUSLA representative (social worker or aftercare worker) upon arrival. After the referral, the Tusla representative will act as the legal guardian of the child and will look after the general welfare of the minor taking into consideration his/her the best interest. TUSLA may also decide whether it is in the best interests of the minor to make an application for international protection.
All separated children under 12 years will immediately be placed with a foster care family. Those over 12 years may be placed in one of the five short-to-medium term residential intake units that are registered children’s homes. Separated children are accommodated in these units to facilitate a social work risk and needs assessment (including health, education, and interests) which allows for better matching with onward placements with foster families.
After the initial assessment period, children are placed in the most appropriate placement option depending on their identified needs. The most prevalent form of placement is with a foster family or a supported lodgings family. Foster placements and supported lodgings have been identified throughout the country and there is strong linkage between the dedicated social work team in Dublin and the local social work teams in order to ensure a seamless transition from intake units to local placements
Unaccompanied minors are entitled to the same services as Irish minors. During the first days in the foster care family or children's home, they undergo a social work assessment which helps Tusla to identify, among others, their educational needs. Tusla will then develop an educational plan, take care of the minor's enrolment to the appropriate school and support the UAM throughout the schooling pathway.
People with special needs may also be able to avail of other assistance from the State. Beneficiary of Temporary protection are entitled to access services offered to vulnerable persons in Ireland. This includes specific provisions for persons with Disability, Individuals suffering from Mental health issues, and Older People.
The government agreed to relocate up to 500 people from Moldova who have recently fled Ukraine.
There is no requirement for Ukrainian nationals to seek international protection to receive the support and protection of the Irish State. The EU Temporary Protection Directive provides a quicker and more streamlined alternative in these circumstances.
An individual may choose to apply for international protection, however, it's not possible to benefit from temporary protection at the same time.
Temporary protection provides with immediate access to the labour market, along with access to social welfare income supports, accommodation and other State supports. Those who apply for international protection will not be able to access employment until 6 months after the making of the application.