“Government Considers Paying Social Welfare to Encourage Ukrainian Return Home: Policy Options Outlined”

The Irish government is exploring policy options to encourage Ukrainians to return home after the temporary protection directive ends in March 2024. One option being considered is paying social welfare to those who choose to return to Ukraine. The Department of Justice has proposed a number of policies for consideration by EU states, including offering residency to employed or educated Ukrainians and examining how to incentivize voluntary returns. The EU Commission is expected to provide further input in discussions to exit temporary protection. A recent survey found that 41% of Ukrainians in Ireland plan to stay, 32% are undecided, and 24% intend to return to Ukraine. EU countries will need to support either remaining in the EU or returning home. Options for supporting a viable return program include continued provision of support for a time-bound period and examining whether families with school-aged children can remain until the end of the academic term. However, any policy may have “potentially substantial resource and cost implications” and will require significant collaboration across government. Ministers must also consider the impact on international protection systems.