Government Enforces New Rules on Ukrainian Refugee Absences from State Accommodation
Dublin: The Department of Integration has begun enforcing stricter regulations on Ukrainian refugees who leave state-provided accommodation without prior authorisation. As part of this revised policy, 86 individuals have been evicted for failing to comply with the newly implemented absence protocols.
Details of the policy shift were disclosed through documents released under the Freedom of Information Act, revealing the government’s intent to reinforce structured accommodation guidelines. Officials have emphasised that refugees cannot come and go freely from government-supported lodging and must adhere to established rules to maintain access to services.
Organisations supporting Ukrainian refugees have criticised the policy, expressing concern over the impact of evictions on vulnerable individuals and families. Critics argue the enforcement measures lack flexibility and fail to account for the personal and psychological challenges faced by those displaced by war.
The Department of Integration maintains that it cannot justify funding unoccupied beds, except in exceptional cases. Allegations have also emerged that some Ukrainian refugees occasionally return to Ukraine while continuing to benefit from Irish state support, including weekly social welfare payments of €38.80 for adults and €29.80 for children, as well as €46.54 per person per day for accommodation, meals, and education.
In response to growing logistical and financial pressures, the government implemented the Absence Protocol on October 9, 2023. Under this directive, refugees residing in accommodation centres may only be absent overnight under exceptional circumstances, and must obtain prior approval from the Ukraine Crisis Temporary Accommodation Team.
Short-term absence allowances have also been temporarily suspended for refugees living in hotels, guesthouses, and other similar lodging arrangements. Additionally, letters were issued to recipients of benefits living outside official accommodation, reinforcing the government’s expectations.
Despite the policy’s strict enforcement, the department has confirmed that exceptions are made during the Christmas period, allowing refugees to be away for up to three weeks without formal approval. Upon return, they may reapply for accommodation, though placement in the original location is not guaranteed.
Since the introduction of emergency measures in March 2022, following the escalation of conflict in Ukraine, over 60,000 individuals have received accommodation in Ireland.
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