Ireland to Introduce Rent Payments for Working Refugees in IPA Centres

Dublin: Refugees employed while residing in Ireland’s International Protection Accommodation (IPA) centres will soon be required to contribute towards their housing costs under new government measures. The proposal, approved by a Cabinet sub-committee on migration, introduces a rent contribution system based on income levels.

Under the new framework, residents earning between €97 and €150 per week will pay €15 towards accommodation, while those earning between €340 and €405 per week will contribute 50% of their housing costs (around €119). The scheme, which aims to make the system more sustainable and equitable, is expected to take up to one year to implement.

The sub-committee — comprising the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and ministers responsible for migration and justice — said rent contributions would scale with income. Refugees permitted to work after six months in the international protection process will be subject to the new policy.

Increase in Refugee Arrivals

Recent figures show a marked increase in arrivals since September, following Ukraine’s decision to allow men aged 18–24 to travel abroad. At least 50 young people are arriving in Ireland daily, prompting growing pressure on accommodation facilities. Currently, refugee centres are designed for short-term stays of up to 90 days, though many residents remain longer due to housing shortages.

Officials told the sub-committee that around 5,000 refugees with legal residency status in Ireland continue to live in IPA centres. They will now be formally categorised as international protection applicants under the new regulations.

Although the intensity of the war in Ukraine has lessened, the inflow of refugees has not slowed. As part of broader reforms, the government is also considering reducing the maximum stay for Ukrainian refugees from 90 to 30 days.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and Minister of State Colm Brophy are overseeing the rollout of the rent contribution plan. O’Callaghan emphasised that Ireland remains one of the most generous European countries in offering accommodation and support to international protection applicants and Ukrainian refugees.

He said the proposed contribution structure was fair and consistent with the 2018 Employment Law, which outlines income-based accommodation payments. However, he noted that the final decision would rest with the Cabinet.

Criticism from Opposition and Advocacy Groups

Refugee support organisation Doras has criticised the plan, warning that it could lead to increased homelessness among Ukrainian refugees. “This is a very worrying step. It does not appear to be a well-thought-out decision,” said John Lannon, CEO of Doras.

Opposition parties also voiced concerns. Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Matt Carthy accused the government of “repeating old promises” without meaningful progress, noting that similar proposals were announced 14 months ago. While he acknowledged that income-based payments were reasonable, he said the government had failed to deliver on previous commitments.

Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney described the move as “shocking”, arguing that it risks worsening living conditions for vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers.

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