James Lawless
Question:1019. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice to examine a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18027/23]
View answerTuesday, 18 April 2023
Questions (1019)
Written answers
For those fleeing Russian aggression in Ukraine, they may be entitled to register for Temporary Protection (TP). In accordance with the Council Implementing Decision (EU 2022/382), Temporary Protection in Ireland applies to the following groups of people who have had to flee Ukraine due to the invasion by Russia:
• Ukrainian nationals who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
• Nationals of a third country (other than Ukraine) or a stateless person who would have benefited from international protection (for example: Refugee status) or an equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and were residing there before 24 February 2022;
• Family members of persons covered by a) and b), where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February.
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BoTP) do not require an employment permit. BoTP's have immediate access to the labour market, along with access to social welfare, accommodation and other State supports.
If the Ukrainian nationals referred to already have Temporary Protection in a Member State it is possible for them to relocate to another Member State. The European Commission has published guidelines for Member States regarding Temporary Protection for those fleeing Ukraine.
eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52022XC0321%2803%29&qid=1647940863274
According to these guidelines, Temporary Protection can be withdrawn in the first Member State after it is registered in the second Member State.
If the people concerned do not meet the criteria for Temporary Protection they must apply for an Employment Permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment before travelling to the State for employment purposes. As they are Ukrainian nationals, they would not require a visa from my Department before travelling to the State.