The Immigrant Council of Ireland has welcomed the announcement that all visa requirements between Ireland and Ukraine will be lifted with immediate effect.
Commenting today, Brian Killoran, Chief Executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland said: “Like everyone, the Immigrant Council of Ireland has watched the unfolding of events in Ukraine with dismay and concern for the humanitarian impact.”
“We welcome the announcement by the Department of Justice today, that all visa requirements between Ireland and Ukraine will be waived, effective immediately,” he continued.
“It is positive to see that this will apply to all Ukrainian nationals who may wish to travel to Ireland – including those with family members residing here.
“We must play our part as a country in helping Ukrainians in their time of need and providing a safe and legal route for them to join the family until such time as Ukraine is safe again or, if needed, to seek protection in Ireland on a more long-term basis.”
Mr Killoran said that the Immigrant Council have already received calls from concerned Ukrainian nationals living in Ireland, worried about their loved ones back at home.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee announced on Friday that visa requirements would be lifted with immediate effect.
“I am appalled by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the unjustified and unprovoked attack against a democratic sovereign state in Europe,” she said in a statement.
“We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its people and will, working with our partners in the European Union, play our part in assisting them in their time of need.
“That is why I am immediately lifting visa requirements between Ukraine and Ireland.”
“This will apply to all Ukrainians who want to travel to Ireland. It will assist Irish citizens and their families in Ukraine, as well as the families of members of the Ukrainian community here in Ireland who may want to leave Ukraine,” she continued.
“This measure will be kept under review and the Government will also work with colleagues on any further EU-wide measures that might assist those fleeing Ukraine.” On Thursday, an Irish man living in Kyiv criticised the Irish government for not working faster to scrap visa requirements in line with other EU countries.
News credit: Sunday world