politics
Ireland to Offer Financial Incentives for Ukrainian Refugees to Return Home Voluntarily
The Irish government is preparing a voluntary returns programme that withholds main financial support until refugees permanently move back to Ukraine, contingent on reconstruction efforts beginning there. President Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia that began on May 8 2026 and was backed by both Kyiv and the Kremlin.
The TimesAudio version
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Ukrainian refugees living in Ireland will receive payments from the Irish government only once they return to their home country. The Irish government is developing an incentive scheme that will give Ukrainian refugees financial support to encourage voluntary repatriation, according to The Times reported. Ministers previously said the payments to those who returned home would be substantial.
However, Ukrainians will not receive the main financial support until they have permanently moved home. The primary financial support will be given to individuals upon their return home while the support package will aim to help with the cost of reintegration. The state’s returns programme will involve assistance towards the cost of returning to Ukraine such as flights.
A new voluntary returns programme will be set up for a limited and fixed duration when the EU temporary protection directive ends. The proposed EU voluntary return and reintegration programme is expected to be in place by March 2027. The cabinet will shortly be told a scheme to incentivise Ukrainians to return will be contingent on reconstruction work beginning in Ukraine.
Sources who have seen the confidential document said Ukrainians would be offered a route home only under certain safety and security conditions, including the beginning of reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. Reconstruction will be contingent on Ukrainians returning to help rebuild their country.
A cabinet memo will set out the strategy for the return scheme and the ending of key supports for Ukrainians.
