Thread by @RachAnnFagan

A long but important thread. Please share for any Ukranians wishing to seek International Protection in Ireland 🧵⬇️

The department of Justice has waived all visas for Ukranian nationals. This allows Ukranians entry into Ireland without having to apply for a visa. It is important to note that this allows entry only, and does not permit residence in the state.

Once arrived in Ireland, Ukranian nationals will have 90 days to secure a more permanent status or seek asylum if they wish. Those with EU or Irish family members may be able to attain status this way. For all others who wish to seek asylum please follow the below advice.

Any individual can seek international protection, regardless of how they enter the states ( via air, sea, or land). At port of entry they can state to the immigration officer that they wish to seek international protection (aka Asylum).

STEP 1)

All Asylum seekers in Ireland regardless of point of entry must present themselves physically to the International Protection Office to apply for Asylum. The office is located at:

79-83 Lower Mount St.
Dublin 2
D02ND99

STEP 2) The applicant will be asked their reasons for seeking asylum in a short interview.
They will also have their fingerprints taken & cross-checked against the Eurodac system. This will inform the Irish government if a previous application for asylum has been made in the EU.

They will be offered the help of a free state solicitor through the Refugee Legal Service & a space in Direct Provision if they wish to avail of either.
They will have their photo taken for a TRC (Temporary Residence Certificate) this denotes they are an asylum seeker.

STEP 3) If the applicant avails of Direct Provision they will be taken to Balseskin DP centre where they will be given PPS number, medical card and await transfer to their more permanent DP Centre.

Vulnerability assessments:

It is here at this step that they should also be given a vulnerability assessment. This will flag any medical, psychological or other vulnerabilities that may be experiencing. It will help the department determine which DP centre will be best suited.

It is important to note that vulnerability assessments are a requirement under the EU receptions condition directive. EVERY applicant should have such an assessment done, regardless of whether they decide to live in DP or not.

STEP 4) Questionnaire
Once the applicant is accepted into the asylum system, they will be sent their International Protection Application questionnaire. This is where they will outline their reasons for seeking asylum, including supporting documentation.

The questionnaire can be sent either in English or in the applicant’s own language. As this questionnaire will form the basis for the applicant’s claim for asylum it is IMPERATIVE, they receive legal assistance to fill it in.

STEP 5) Interview
After the applicant completes the questionnaire & submits it to the IPO, they will be called for at least one interview. Their solicitor should help them to prepare for the interview. They will be afforded w/ translators for the interview in their own language.

If they can't attend their interview for any reason (i.e. illness/injury) they should contact IPO to reschedule. Non-attendance w/out prior warning will be deemed as “non-cooperation” & will negatively impact their asylum case. Rescheduling will not negatively impact on a case.

STEP) 6 Decision/ Appeal
After the interview they will receive formal notice in writing of the recommendation of the IPO.
If they are granted refugee status or subsidiary protection & do not wish to appeal any decision, then they must contact the IPO to instruct they accept

After this they will receive their formal declaration from the Ministerial Decisions Unit.
If they are refused Refugee status, Subsidiary protection, or both, they have a right to appeal these decisions If they wish to appeal, they need to contact the IPO.

If upon appeal the applicant is again refused refugee or subsidiary protection, they may be granted Permission to Remain. This will be solely based on the information already available to the department and they will not have another interview.

If unfortunately, the applicant has exhausted all applications and appeals, they will be issued with a deportation order and asked to leave the state.

This is a long procedure and hopefully the @DeptJusticeIRL is looking at other humanitarian approaches. The asylum system is already straining under the pressures of the housing crisis and lack of resources.

If you need any other information on seeking asylum or other possible immigration permissions please contact an immigration NGO @DorasIRL @NascIreland @immigrationIRL @irishmigrants @IrishRefugeeCo