Asylum Application Process

 

In the first instance you make an application for refugee status, usually at the port of entry. You fill out a detailed application form giving a lot of background information.

There may be a brief interview to determine whether your application should be processed in the Republic of Ireland. See the section on Dublin III Convention in this document for more information on this process.

If you are unable to prove your identity you may be detained until this has been established. You and your under-age dependents will be fingerprinted at this stage.

You are then transferred to a direct provision centre for accommodation while your application is processed.

You fill out a detailed application form giving a lot of background information on the reasons you are applying for asylum in Ireland.

Credibility is vitally important. Be sure to give as full and truthful of a report as you can make. Ask for help from a New Horizon volunteer if you are having difficulties.

If you have direct family members that you wish to be reunited with when you get refugee status list them all on your application form. It is important to include direct family members that you have temporarily lost contact with; they may re-appear in the future.

There are some obligations that asylum seekers must comply with:

  • You must not leave or attempt to leave the State without the consent of the Minister for Justice while your application is under consideration.
  • You are not entitled to seek or enter employment or carry on any business, trade or profession.
  • You may be required to report at specified intervals to an Immigration Officer, to a person authorised by the Minister or to a member of the Garda Siochana (Irish Police).
  • You are required to reside or remain at the accommodation centre allocated to you by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA)
  • You can only move from this accommodation with the permission of the RIA and only in circumstances where the RIA is in a position to offer you alternative accommodation.
  • You must be truthful at all times in the information you provide in connection with your application. If you are not, it may lead to a finding that your application is manifestly unfounded. In such circumstances, you would have a shorter period within which to appeal and any appeal you might make would be dealt with without an oral hearing.
  • You must co-operate fully with the investigation of your application. Failure to do so could affect the credibility of your application or result in your application being deemed withdrawn.
  • You should make all information relevant to your application available to the Refugee Applications Commissioner. If you do not do so and seek to bring forward additional information at appeal stage, you will be required to explain why this information was not made available to the Refugee Applications Commissioner. The Refugee Appeals Tribunal will be required to take this into account in assessing the credibility of your application

After some time, frequently some months, you will be called for an interview with the Refugee Applications Commissioner (RAC). It is very important to be prepared for this interview. See Preparing for the Asylum Interview for more information.

You then attend the Asylum interview. See At the Asylum Interview for more information.

A decision on your asylum application will be made within a few months. You will be informed of the result at this stage.

If your application is successful, congratulations! For help in moving on from Direct Provision see Moving out of the Asylum Process.

If the response is negative you are entitled to appeal to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. We strongly advise having a legal representative at the tribunal.

The Refugee Legal Service (RLS) is a law centre established by the Legal Aid Board to provide confidential and independent legal services to persons applying for asylum in Ireland. Legal aid and advice is also provided, in appropriate cases, on immigration and deportation matters.

Refugee Legal Services provides a confidential service to all persons who contact it. See http://www.legalaidboard.ie/en/our-services/legal-aid-services/services-for-asylum-seekers/