European authorities approve key measure benefiting Ukrainian refugees
Photo: Refugees (Getty Images)
Ukrainians in Ireland under temporary protection have been guaranteed continued legal residence. Authorities have automatically extended their immigration permits until spring 2027, according to the official portal of the Irish Immigration Service.
Ireland has extended immigration permits for individuals under temporary protection until March 4, 2027.
This applies to documents previously valid until March 4, 2026, which do not need to be renewed or resubmitted. The extension is automatic, providing legal certainty for tens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens.
The decision is based on the position of the Irish Ministry of Justice, Interior, and Migration and has been published on the official portal of the Irish Immigration Service.
It applies not only to Ukrainians but also to other beneficiaries of the EU Temporary Protection Directive, including stateless persons and third-country nationals who fled Ukraine due to the war.
Rights preserved
Temporary protection status in Ireland grants legal residence, the right to work without a separate permit, and access to healthcare, education, and social services. It also allows travel within Europe for up to 90 days in countries recognizing this regime.
The extension aligns with the decision of the Council of the European Union, which previously approved the Temporary Protection Directive until March 4, 2027, for all EU countries. Discussions are ongoing at the European level regarding the legal status of Ukrainians after this period.
Elsewhere in Europe, Switzerland is considering a referendum to limit population numbers, which could affect conditions for Ukrainians, including potential adjustments to the S protection status and restrictions on new arrivals.
Meanwhile, the government of Moldova has extended temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens in the country until March 1, 2027, ensuring continued legal residence and access to support mechanisms.
