When the interim protection directive expires, the EU will look into providing social benefits to Ukrainians as a means of encouraging them to return home.

A number of policies were laid out in a paper by the Department of Justice that was presented to the Cabinet Committee on Ukraine to be further examined by EU states. 

Ukrainians are protected until March 2024, but that interim protection may be extended further until March 2025.

The government will also consider whether to grant residency to certain Ukrainians, including those who are employed or enrolled in school.

The EU Commission has stated that it will hold negotiations with all members about the best way to end temporary protection, and it is known that the Department of Justice thinks it should hold off on making a decision until it has received more information from the Commission.

According to a recent study by Ukrainian Action in Ireland, among those granted temporary protection in Ireland, 41% have made the decision to remain there permanently, 32% are undecided about their plans, and 24% want to go back to Ukraine as soon as they can.

EU nations will have to choose between allowing Ukrainians to stay in the EU after the so-called temporary protection expires, facilitating their return, or doing "possibly some blend of both approaches."

The paper revealed that any policy may have “potentially substantial resource and cost implications” and will necessitate intense coordination amongst departments of the governments.

Ministers were also warned that it would be vital to take into account how any agreed strategy would affect the international protection system, particularly when it comes to individuals who do not take advantage of voluntary returns or who do not meet the requirements for the right to live in a country.

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