Irish Refugee Protection Programme

Ireland's resettlement programme is not an application-based pathway. You cannot submit an application form or documentation directly to Irish authorities to request resettlement. Instead, the programme operates entirely through UNHCR referral. If you are a refugee outside Ireland, UNHCR in your country of refuge identifies whether resettlement is appropriate for you—you do not apply to Ireland directly.

How the Resettlement Process Works

Step 1: Irish Government Sets Annual Quotas

Each year, the Irish government decides how many refugees it will resettle and from which countries, based on UNHCR's Projected Global Resettlement Needs. For 2026–2027, Ireland's commitment is 1,200 resettlement places and 100 humanitarian admission places.

Step 2: UNHCR Identifies and Refers Cases

If you are a refugee registered with UNHCR in a designated country (recently, this has included Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan), UNHCR examines your case against resettlement criteria. UNHCR does not accept direct applications for resettlement to Ireland. UNHCR Ireland cannot help you be resettled to Ireland—you must work with the UNHCR office in your country of refuge.

Step 3: Irish Selection Mission

If UNHCR refers your case to Ireland, an Irish selection team travels to your location to conduct interviews. The team includes:

• Officials from the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP)
• Members of An Garda Síochána (Ireland's National Police and Security Service)

Each interview lasts approximately 1.5 hours and covers:

• Verification of information in your UNHCR file
• Confirmation that all family members agree to resettlement
• Information about your rights and responsibilities in Ireland
• Details about your health, education, and support needs
• Security screening

Step 4: Security Clearance

All cases are referred for security clearance to the Irish Police Force. There is no dossier-based selection—in-person interviews are mandatory.

Step 5: Decision

Irish authorities decide whether to admit you. Decisions are normally made within 3 months of your interview, but may take longer.

Step 6: Pre-Departure Preparation

If approved, you will:

• Receive medical screening to confirm you are fit to fly (treatment is provided if needed)
• Attend a 3-day face-to-face orientation programme organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and IRPP staff, covering Irish culture, lifestyle, rights, responsibilities, education, health services, housing, and employment
• Be issued an Irish travel document by the Irish government
• Have your flights and exit permissions arranged by the IOM

Step 7: Arrival and Reception in Ireland

Upon arrival, you will be accommodated in a Reception and Orientation Centre (ROC) for initial orientation and assessment. Currently operating ROCs are:

• Abbeyfield Hotel, Ballaghaderren, Co. Roscommon
• Clonea Strand Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
• Mosney Village (200 dedicated ROC places)

During this period, you receive English language lessons, children attend school, and you are assessed for access to health and social welfare services.

Step 8: Community Resettlement

Once private housing is arranged, you receive 18 months of support from a local resettlement support worker who helps you access mainstream services including employment, education, and healthcare.

If You Have Family in Ireland

If you are a refugee in another country and have family members already in Ireland, tell the UNHCR office in your country of refuge that you have family in Ireland. However, UNHCR Ireland cannot influence the selection process or request specific individuals or families be resettled. There are far more refugees in need of resettlement than places available, so family connections alone do not guarantee selection.

Community Sponsorship Ireland (Alternative Pathway)

Community Sponsorship Ireland (CSI) is a complementary resettlement stream where local community groups directly support resettled refugee families. The process is identical to traditional resettlement—UNHCR identifies and refers cases, and Irish authorities conduct selection—but on arrival, you are supported by a local sponsor group rather than state accommodation.

Sponsor groups must provide:

• A furnished home for a minimum of 2 years
• School places for children
• Interpretation services
• Financial support until social welfare payments begin
• Help opening a bank account and registering with a GP
• English language training

You cannot nominate yourself or request a specific sponsor group. Refugees are identified and referred by UNHCR in the same way as traditional resettlement. For more information, contact the Irish Red Cross at communitysponsorship.ie or 1800 753 343.

Item	Cost
UNHCR services	Free
Application processing	Free
Medical screening	Free
Pre-departure orientation	Free
Travel to Ireland	Free (arranged by IOM)
Reception and accommodation	Free
Integration support	Free

Total cost to applicant: €0

The Irish state bears all costs of the resettlement programme, including travel, reception, orientation, and integration support. The European Commission provided €9 million in funding to support the resettlement of 900 people between early 2020 and the end of 2023.

Important: Do not trust any person or organisation asking you to pay for UNHCR services, resettlement processing, or travel. All UNHCR services are free of charge in every country. If you are asked for money or sexual favours in exchange for resettlement services, report it immediately to UNHCR and/or the nearest police station.

Selection mission to decision: 3 months (normally), though decisions may take longer in complex cases.

Pre-departure orientation: 3 days face-to-face programme organised by the IOM and IRPP.

Reception and orientation in Ireland: Variable, typically several months in a Reception and Orientation Centre while initial assessment and orientation occur. During this time, adults receive English language lessons and children are enrolled in school.

Integration support period: 18 months of support from a local resettlement support worker once you move into private housing.

Medical screening validity: Medical screening is conducted before departure to confirm fitness to fly. Treatment is provided if needed before your departure.

Document validity: Your Irish travel document is issued on behalf of the Irish government and is valid for travel to Ireland and residence.

Important note on family reunification timelines: The proposed International Protection Bill 2026 (expected to become law by 12 June 2026) will introduce a 2–3 year waiting period before resettled refugees can apply for family reunification. During this period, you must also demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. If you have family abroad and plan to apply for family reunification, immigration advisers recommend submitting applications before the Bill becomes law, though transitional clauses have not yet been published.