Ukrainians going home for Christmas must return by January 5 or lose shelter
Soldiers of Ukraine's National Guard 1st brigade Bureviy (Hurricane) practice during combat training at a military training ground in the north of Ukraine. Picture: AP
Ukrainians living in temporary shelters in Ireland will be permitted to return home for Christmas but must be back here by January 5 or risk losing their accommodation.
Under a protocol set out by government, Ukrainians living in State-funded temporary accommodation may travel and be absent from that accommodation without notifying the Ukraine Crisis Temporary Accommodation Team (UCTAT) in advance.
The Government said the absence protocol doesn’t apply to Ukrainians currently residing in pledged homes or modular housing “who may make their own arrangements to travel if they wish”.
“Beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) must have returned to their State-funded temporary accommodation by January 5, 2024, or risk losing that accommodation,” it said.
“During this time, they must continue paying the mandatory contribution charge to their accommodation provider.”
It said that only those with an “approved exceptional absence or those who have relinquished their accommodation voluntarily through the agreed form” may be absent after January 5.
“Any unsanctioned absences will be treated as refusals [and] the accommodation may be reallocated."
It added that those found to have refused an offer of accommodation will not be eligible for another one from the State.
John Lannon, chief executive of migrant advocacy group Doras, said this provided welcome clarity for people that they wouldn’t lose their accommodation due to travel this Christmas.
“It’s important to stress as well, for people going to meet family members back in Ukraine, there’s a war still ongoing in the country, homes have been destroyed, and livelihoods destroyed.
“People might need to leave their accommodation for a variety of reasons, for medical care or to visit family members. We know this continues to be a very difficult time for families from Ukraine.”
According to the most recent statistics, there were over 96,000 PPS numbers given to arrivals from Ukraine under the temporary protection directive.
Last month, it emerged that the Government was considering a change in policy whereby Ukrainians, newly arrived in Ireland, could be offered State accommodation for just three months before having to find their own place to live.
Mr Lannon added that the main concern about this policy is that it could result in an increase in homelessness.
“We do need still to see a better strategy from the Government in terms of provision of medium-term accommodation,” he said.
“The current ongoing reliance on the hospitality sector is problematic.”
