Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
620. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if a person (details supplied) can reunite with their family who live in Dublin 15; and if not, if advice will be provided in relation to the case. [18190/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Temporary Protection Directive has been activated in response to the Ukraine crisis. Ireland participates in this measure, which has been given legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015.
Those eligible for Temporary Protection (granted initially for one year on a renewable basis) will have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as necessary.
Under the Council Implementing Decision (EU 2022/382), those who have fled Ukraine can avail of a temporary protection to reside in Ireland if they meet one of the following criteria:
a) They are a Ukrainian national who was residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
b) They are a national 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;
c) They are a family member of persons covered by a) and b), where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February.
Family members include a spouse or partner, unmarried minor children of either of them, and their other close dependent family relatives who have been living with them as part of the family unit.
Temporary protection also applies to people who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 with a permanent Ukrainian residence permit, who cannot safely return to their country of origin.
As the Deputy may be aware, on 25 February I announced the immediate lifting of visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens travelling to Ireland. However, people who are from a country that is visa-required, such as Nigeria, will still need to apply for a visa to travel to the State.
Anyone who wishes to make a visa application must do so online at: www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx.
