International Protection Decision Making Process

People can apply for international protection in Ireland if they are escaping persecution in their own country or if they cannot return to their country because they have a well-founded fear for their safety.

To make an application, a person must be in Ireland already or at the border of the state in places like airports or ports.

There is a strict process in place to decide whether someone is eligible to receive international protection in Ireland.

At the start of the process, all those seeking protection are registered, fingerprinted and checked against appropriate databases. Applicants are also screened for any vulnerabilities.

There are different procedures for assessing an application and a decision is made about which category the applicant falls into.

Applicants fill out a form to explain why they need protection. Following this, they are invited for an interview to explain more about their situation.

This personal testimony alongside background information about the situation in their home country forms the basis for a decision on whether to grant international protection. This is called a first instance decision and there are three possible outcomes: a grant of Refugee Status, a grant of Subsidiary Protection and a refusal of international protection.

Refugee Status is granted to someone who has a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Subsidiary Protection is granted to someone who does not qualify for refugee but would face a real risk of serious harm if returned to their home country.

People granted status can access the full range of housing supports and social welfare entitlements as Irish citizens. After a 2 year waiting period, they can apply for their family to join them in Ireland.

If a person has their application refused at first instance they receive a return decision at the same time, meaning they do not have a permission to be in Ireland and must leave the country.

Those who have received a negative first instance decision along with a return decision have the right to lodge an appeal to the Tribunal for Asylum and Return Appeals, or TARA. People who have been given Subsidiary Protection rather than Refugee Status can also appeal that decision to TARA.

Throughout the process applicants are given language supports as needed. They can also apply for civil legal aid, including access to legal advice and representation through the Legal Aid Board. Legal counselling is an additional service to inform applicants of asylum procedures, their rights, and what to expect from the asylum process.

Information for international protection applicants can be found here.

Please note that individuals who applied for International Protection before 12 June 2026 have their applications assessed by the International Protection Office in a different process to the one described above.