Effective July 19 and for an initial 12-month period, the Government of Ireland will suspend the operation of the Council of Europe Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Refugees. As a result, individuals who have been granted refugee status in other countries may still travel to Ireland, but they must first obtain a visa.
The Agreement, which included ‘safe’ countries Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, ended the visa requirements for refugees when they travel to other safe countries. Under the terms of the Agreement, governments issue convention travel documents that granted visa-free travel for up to three months.
Ireland’s visa-free suspension will not apply to Ukrainian refugees.
Erickson Insights
Ireland’s government asserts the temporary change is due to recent abuses of Ireland’s immigration system. Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.