Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan and Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy secure Government approval for new measures in relation to Ukrainian citizens with Temporary Protection status
- Published on: 26 May 2026
- Last updated on: 26 May 2026
- Phased withdrawal of state-contracted commercial accommodation by March 2027.
- Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) monthly contribution will be set at €400 from October 2026.
- Temporary Protection Transition Scheme will introduce an alternative permission for those with temporary protection status.
- Subject to developments at EU level support will be given to the development of a voluntary return and reintegration programme for those who return to Ukraine.
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan and Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy have today received the agreement of government for the introduction of a number of measures relating to Ukrainian citizens currently in Ireland holding temporary protection status.
The current EU Temporary Protection Directive is due to end on 4 March 2027. While it may be extended at EU level, Ireland is now taking proactive measures to provide more certainty to people currently displaced by the war in Ukraine.
The proposals approved by government today are in line with the 2025 EU Council Recommendation for a co-ordinated approach to transition Ukrainian citizens out of Temporary Protection across the EU.
Making the announcement Minister Jim O'Callaghan and Minister of State Colm Brophy said:
"Government has today agreed to the introduction of a number of measures relating to Ukrainian citizens who are beneficiaries of temporary protection.
“These measures include a phased withdrawal of state-contracted commercial accommodation commencing in August 2026 and completed by March 2027.
“The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) monthly contribution rate will be set at €400 from October 2026. This was the original rate when the scheme was launched in 2022.
“Our department will coordinate with the Irish Red Cross and the International Organisation for Migration to provide information and support to those currently in receipt of state provided accommodation as they progress towards greater independence.
“Additionally, an alternative permission for people currently residing in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive will be developed. Under the Temporary Protection Transition Scheme permission will be granted for a period of up to two years, renewable for periods of two years thereafter. Time on this permission will contribute towards naturalisation.
“It is the government’s intention that this new permission will incentivise work, upskilling, and progression to independent living, while providing clarity and certainty for people in advance of the expiry of Temporary Protection.
“The government continues to support Ukraine in its long-term recovery. This will include, over time, supporting people who wish to return to Ukraine. Ireland does not currently support voluntary returns to Ukraine. Subject to proposals at EU level and safety considerations, a voluntary return and reintegration programme will also be developed for those wishing to return to Ukraine in the future.”
ENDS…///
Notes for Editors
State-contracted commercial accommodation
- The government has agreed to phase out accommodation that has been provided to people from Ukraine since 2022, commencing with those in commercially contracted accommodation provided by the State.
- These changes to the accommodation model will be introduced on a phased basis, with information and support provided to residents.
- The withdrawal of state-contracted commercial accommodation will commence in August 2026 and completed by March 2027.
- There are approximately 16,000 people in commercial State-supported accommodation and over 40,000 people in subsidised accommodation in private homes.
- Once individuals leave State-contracted commercial accommodation and transition to independent accommodation arrangements, they will be entitled to standard social welfare assistance, equivalent to Irish citizens, subject to meeting the eligibility conditions.
- Vulnerable individuals who want to continue to avail of state-supported accommodation will be asked to self-declare their need for continued accommodation detailing their reasons with supporting evidence.
- An application process will open in June. Details on the application process will be available in the coming weeks.
New Immigration Permission
- The “Temporary Protection Transition Scheme” will be provided on a Stamp 4 basis and will be granted for a period of up to two years, renewable for periods of two years thereafter, with time on the permission counting towards naturalisation. The permission will be based on the inclusion of the whole family unit who have been resident in Ireland under temporary protection.
- It is intended that the application process for the new permission will be open in September 2026. The eligibility criteria for this permission will include:
- residency in Ireland for a minimum of one year as a beneficiary of temporary protection;
- employment or self-employment for six months, with a minimum yearly salary of €29,432;
- non-receipt of state supported accommodation such as commercially provided or hosted accommodation supported by the Accommodation Recognition Payment at the time of application.
- As with moves to other permissions, it will not be possible to be granted a Stamp 4 Temporary Protection Transition Scheme, and to hold Temporary Protection or any other immigration permission at the same time.
- Further details on how to apply will be available in September.