Neale Richmond
Ceist:312. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the number of Ukrainian citizens who are resident in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12186/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 3 March 2022
Ceisteanna (312)
Freagraí scríofa
I introduced the immediate lifting of visa requirements between Ukraine and Ireland as an emergency measure which came into effect on 25 February. This will streamline and support the swift exit of both the Ukrainian family members of Irish citizens, and the family members of people from Ukraine who are resident in Ireland. It will apply as an emergency measure to all Ukrainians travelling to Ireland and is a humanitarian response to the rapidly evolving situation in Ukraine.
Since I introduced the Visa waiver on Friday 25 February, a total of 143 Ukrainians have arrived in the state up to 28 February 2022. However, it should be noted that many of those who travelled were already resident in the State and had travelled back to the State for reasons other than escaping the conflict in Ukraine. The situation will be kept under review as events transpire.
The best information available to my Department to answer the Deputy’s question is as follows:
The number of Ukrainian citizens registered with an immigration permission in Ireland as of February 2022 is 2,298. A further 4,272 Ukrainians have been naturalised since 2006.