Family Reunification

What is family reunification?
It is the process whereby a refugee, under Section 18 of the Refugee Act, 1996, (as amended) requests permission for their immediate family members to join them in Ireland. Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection are also entitled to family reunification under Section 16 of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006

Who can apply for family reunification?
Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection are entitled to apply for certain immediate family members as well as dependent family members to join them.
 

Which family members are allowed to join the refugee & beneficiary of subsidiary protection, making the application?
If married

  • Husband/wife (provided there is still a valid marriage (e.g. evidence of civil registration of a religious marriage, confirmation of the validity of a traditional marriage from an appropriate local court)
  • If the marriage by proxy , it will necessary to provide a declaration from the Irish courts under section 29 of the Family Law Act, 1995, that the marriage in question is entitled to be recognised in this jurisdiction
  •  Unmarried children, under 18 years of age (biological or adopted children)
     

If unmarried and under 18:

  •  S/he can apply for his/her parents

A request for any other family member who is dependent (financially or medically on the applicant) is granted at the absolute discretion of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.


A Dependent person is defined as the grandparent, parent, brother, sister, child, grandchild, ward or guardian of a refugee or of a beneficiary of subsidiary protection who is dependent on him/ her or is suffering from a disability which prevents that person from maintaining himself or herself fully.
 
What proof must be  submited with the application if the family member is financially dependent?

For financially dependent family members, the applicant can provide proof of this dependence by submitting documents including Western Union/ Bank Transfer receipts to show that s/he has been maintaining this family member.