Organisations supporting Ukrainian refugees in Ireland raise concerns over evictions from hotel accommodation

Organisations supporting Ukrainian refugees in Ireland have voiced concerns regarding evictions from hotel accommodations for leaving without permission. The Department of Integration introduced a strict absence policy to prevent "paying for empty beds," leading to punitive actions like evictions. Ukrainians now require approval from the Department's Crisis Temporary Accommodation Team to leave accommodation, with only "exceptional circumstances" considered valid.

Amid these changes, stories emerge of individuals facing hardships due to the stringent absence rules. One woman was evicted after traveling to Ukraine for medical reasons despite not being aware of breaking any rules. The especially high bar for permissions has led to cases where vital medical treatments are denied, causing undue suffering. The absence policy lists limited reasons for approval, excluding crucial needs such as hospital visits or extended family stays.

The lack of transparency in eviction figures raises questions about accountability and decision-making processes. The Ukraine Civil Society Forum points out an increase in evictions while highlighting the need for fair and humane treatment. The Department's refusal to disclose eviction numbers hampers efforts to ensure just decisions based on real data.

In response to the refugee crisis, the Government shifted to designated accommodation centers, affecting nearly 60,000 Ukrainians initially housed in hotels. The decrease in occupants following the change aligns with the revised absence protocol, citing "constrained supply" as the reason. The current policy aims to uphold governance by only covering exceptional absence situations.

Temporary amendments allowing Christmas period departures imply flexibility but raise concerns over continuous restrictions. The challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in Ireland shed light on the complexities of managing emergency accommodations amid evolving policies. The balance between governance and compassion remains a contentious issue, requiring consistent evaluation and adjustment to meet the diverse needs of those seeking refuge.