New Legislation to significantly reform Irish asylum laws

Government has approved the publication of the International Protection Bill 2026. The Bill will put in place a new EU framework to manage migration and asylum for the long-term and ensure Ireland’s policy aligns with other EU countries.

The overall objective is to provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure that is consistent with how asylum laws operate across the EU. The Bill introduces faster processing of asylum claims with a much more efficient decision-making system. Faster processing will mean that applicants spend less time in IPAS accommodation, and it will significantly reduce the cost of the asylum system to the State. Faster decision-making will also mean that successful applicants will be granted international protection sooner, and those whose applications are refused can be returned to their country of origin sooner.

he Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan and the Attorney General are developing provisions for inclusion in the Bill to give effect to the proposals, approved by Government on 26 November 2025, that adults who are beneficiaries of international protection will not be entitled to seek family reunification for a period of three years following their grant of international protection.

They must also demonstrate that they are financially self-sufficient. This will be assessed by reference to appropriate income thresholds to be prescribed by the Minister. They will also have to show financial self-sufficiency and not be in receipt of certain social welfare payments or owe money relating to International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) payments.