Information for Afghan Nationals
News
15 December 2021A special Afghan Admission Programme has been established. The programme provides for up to 500 places for Afghan family members of current or former Afghan nationals living in Ireland to be granted residence permission in Ireland. This Programme is managed by the Department of Justice and persons interested should apply through the Department of Justice at The Afghan Admission Programme Information Page - Immigration Service Delivery (irishimmigration.ie) from 16 December 2021.
Outline information is available at gov.ie - Minister McEntee confirms opening of Afghan Admission Programme (www.gov.ie)
The Department of Justice is the authority responsible for issuing visas for Ireland, including in circumstances where people wish to join a family member residing in Ireland. The Department of Justice continues to process join family/preclearance visa applications for Afghan nationals. Information can be found online at Coming to join family in Ireland - Immigration Service Delivery (irishimmigration.ie). The Department of Foreign Affairs does not ordinarily provide assistance to those who have been granted such visas.
For those seeking international protection, the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) enables persons in need of international protection to be granted refugee status in Ireland and places on the programme have been allocated to over 500 Afghan nationals to date. Priority has been given to those working on human rights issues, including the rights of women and girls, as well as those working with NGOs and European and international organisations. The Department of Foreign Affairs understands that applications to the Irish Refugee Protection Programme are closed for the moment, however the contact address for officials at the authority responsible for the Programme, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, is IRPP@equality.gov.ie
