On February 16, 2023, the Irish government announced the extension of a Temporary Protection program for individuals fleeing the war in Ukraine. As the initial Temporary Protection program was valid for only twelve months, the first set of permissions was set to expire on March 9, 2023. Under the terms of the announcement, the Temporary Protection program will be extended for an additional twelve months, to March 2024. Ireland’s move comes as the European Commission – the executive arm of the European Union – has extended its own Temporary Protection Directive through at least March 4, 2024.
Background: Ireland’s Temporary Protection Program
The Irish government began granting Temporary Protection to persons fleeing the war in Ukraine on March 9, 2022. Eligibility for the Temporary Protection program was extended to individuals who were residing in Ukraine at the time of the invasion on February 24, 2022, as well as to Ukrainian nationals who were lawfully present in Ireland before that date.
Approximately 75,000 people have been given Temporary Protection in Ireland since the program began, according to the government’s announcement. The program enables individuals to live, work, and study in Ireland, as well as to access social services and medical care.
The twelve-month extension is automatically applied to those who currently hold Temporary Protection; no specific action is required on the part of beneficiaries. However, a confirmation notice may be downloaded from the Irish government’s immigration website. The beneficiary’s original Temporary Protection certificate, along with the confirmation notice, will serve as evidence of lawful status in Ireland.
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