Visa restrictions lifted for Ukrainians travelling to Ireland
The Government has announced the immediate lifting of visa requirements for travels between Ukraine and Ireland.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced on Friday that the decision has been taken to show support for the Ukrainians.
It comes as a protest was organised on Friday evening at Eyre Square in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, where the activists said that war of this type is never a solution.
Organisers said that Putin’s claim of “denazifying” Ukraine is beyond laughable and there is no justification for his murderous invasion.
The Justice Minister said she was “appalled” by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and said Ireland is ready to assist in any way it could.
“We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its people and will be working with our partners in European Union, to play our part in assisting them in their time of need”, she said.
“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.”
People who travel to Ireland without a visa during this period will then have 90 days after arrival to regularise their position.
This position will be kept under ongoing review with the impact monitored closely.
Earlier this week the EU announced a package of sanctions, which has been supported by the Irish government. This package comprises targeted restrictive measures on a number of individuals and entities, restrictions of economic relations with the non-government, controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, and financial restrictions against Russia.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemned Russia’s indefensible attack on the people of Ukraine and said: “Russia will pay a high price for this outrageous act of aggression”.
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