DUBLIN, Ireland: Nearly 16,000 Ukrainians will, in phases, lose the State-supplied accommodation they have been receiving from the Irish government.

This was decided after the Government reduced the time newly arrived Ukrainian refugees can stay in State accommodation from 90 days to 30 days.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan got approval for the proposals at a Cabinet sub-committee meeting on Monday evening, before they go to the full Cabinet on April 28.

The proposals are expected to end State-funded private accommodation for Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Ireland before March 2024. Around 16,000 people could be affected.

The changes will happen gradually over six months, starting in August. People will get at least three months' notice.

There will be exceptions for very vulnerable people or those who cannot live independently. They will need to declare their situation and provide proof to continue receiving accommodation.

Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, more than 125,700 Ukrainian refugees have come to Ireland, and over 94,300 have been given State-supported housing. At present, about 19,200 people are living in State-contracted accommodation.

There are about 531 contracts with places like hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs, providing around 22,450 beds.

The sub-committee also agreed to gradually end the accommodation recognition payment, a tax-free monthly payment for people hosting Ukrainians, by March next year. About 42,000 Ukrainians are staying in such arrangements.

Ireland also plans to participate in an EU voluntary return program for Ukrainians, which may start in March 2027 following a pilot this year.

During a visit to Ireland in December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was asked if reduced support for refugees meant Ireland's support for Ukraine had weakened. He said Ireland supported Ukraine from the beginning because it was the right thing to do.

He added that Ireland had helped Ukrainians both in Ukraine and in Ireland, and he expressed gratitude. He also said he was raised to appreciate any help received and not to criticize it, whether it was large or small.