Irish Refugee Protection Programme

The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) coordinates Ireland’s resettlement of refugees who cannot safely remain in the country where they are currently living and who have been identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as being in need of resettlement.

Since 2015, more than 4,500 refugees have been resettled in Ireland through the IRPP, reflecting Ireland’s ongoing commitment to international refugee protection and responsibility sharing.

The programme is separate from the international protection process for people who travel to Ireland and apply for protection here. It is also separate from the Temporary Protection arrangements introduced for people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

IRPP Selection Missions

As part of the resettlement process, Irish officials may travel to countries where refugees are currently living to meet people who have been referred by UNHCR.

These visits allow the Irish authorities to better understand each case before making a final decision on whether a person will be offered resettlement in Ireland.

Delegations may include officials from the Irish Government, An Garda Síochána and health professionals.

Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO)

Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) helps refugees prepare for life in Ireland before they travel.

PDO is delivered by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in cooperation with Irish officials. It provides practical information about living in Ireland, including everyday life, services and what to expect when people arrive.

This preparation helps refugees feel more confident about their move and supports early integration into Irish society.

Arrival in Ireland

The resettlement programme supports refugees to settle successfully into communities across Ireland.

After arriving in Ireland, resettled refugees usually stay for a short period in a Reception and Orientation Centre (ROC).

During this time, they receive support to help them prepare for life in their new communities including assistance with registering for public services, English language learning and education arrangements for school-aged children.

Following that resettled refugees will move to their new community.

Resettlement programmes are currently operating in Cavan, Cork, Galway City, Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.

These local authorities work with a range of State services and community organisations to support families as they begin their new lives in Ireland.

Inter-agency groups in participating local authorities help coordinate the services required to support integration in the community.

IRPP Humanitarian Admissions Programme

Ireland has also provided protection through the IRPP Humanitarian Admissions Programme. Unlike resettlement, the Humanitarian Admissions Programme provides an alternative pathway to protection based on family or other connections to people already living in Ireland

Between 2021 and 2025, Ireland welcomed more than 700 people from Afghanistan through the IRPP Afghan Programme. The programme, which is now closed, prioritised individuals considered to be at particular risk, including human rights defenders, women’s rights activists, members of the judiciary and journalists.

Updates on any future programmes will be published here when available.

Community Sponsorship Ireland

Community Sponsorship Ireland (CSI) was established in 2018 as a complementary pathway to Ireland’s State-led refugee resettlement programme.

Through Community Sponsorship, local volunteer groups support a refugee family to settle in their community. This allows communities across Ireland to play a direct role in welcoming refugees.

The national support organisation for Community Sponsorship Ireland is the Irish Red Cross.

Further information about the programme and available supports can be found here.