The new emergency measure will take immediate effect.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has announced the lifting of visa requirements for Ukraine nationals entering Ireland.
The Department of Justice said people who are leaving Ukraine amid the Russian attack and travelling to Ireland may, for now, do so without a visa if they judge it safe to travel.
It will apply as an emergency measure to all Ukrainians travelling to Ireland and takes immediate effect.
The move will support the “swift exit” of the Ukrainian family members of both Irish citizens and residents.
Commenting on the decision, Minister McEntee said:
“I am appalled by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the unjustified and unprovoked attack against a democratic sovereign state in Europe.
“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.
“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.”
Those who travel to Ireland without a visa during this time period will then have 90 days after arrival to regularise their position. This position will be kept under review and closely monitored.
It comes after Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced on Thursday that he planned to waive visa requirements for all Ukrainian citizens entering Ireland.
He said Russia’s attacks on the country would cause a “significant migration issue” and Ireland had to “play its part” in supporting those affected.
Feature image via Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie
