Asylum Application Process

International Protection 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 dependants will be fingerprinted at this stage.

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

Credibility is vitally important when giving information. 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 with whom you have temporarily lost contact; they might reappear in the future.

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/