The Asylum Process

Clinic

Asylum Application

To apply for asylum, the applicant must apply to the Refugee Applications Centre (RAC)  www.orac.ie, at the port where they enter Ireland or at a Garda station.

This process can take some time, as there are several stages to go through. The applicant can make a separate application on behalf of their minor children (a separate application form for a declaration as a refugee must be completed for each minor child (or dependant). If not, the accompanying minor children (or dependant(s)) will be included in the application and all decisions taken in relation to the asylum application will apply to them.

Documentation for Application 

When an applicant applies for asylum in Ireland it must be accompanied by: 

  • Any original travel documents in the applicants possession And, if appropriate, those of their children aged under eighteen years, Originals of all identity documents, birth and marriage certificates in their possession relating to their and their children’s asylum claim.
  • The applicants photograph and fingerprints will be taken when the application is lodged.
  • It is important to submit all documentation on arrival.

 

Applicants must be truthful at all times in the information they provide in connection with their application. As  an asylum seeker, it is very important to cooperate at all times in the investigation of the application. Failure to do so will result in their application being 'deemed withdrawn' and a recommendation will be made that they should not be declared a refugee click here for information on withdrawn applications.

 

There is NO appeal against this recommendation. 

After applying for asylum, the applicant will be housed in a Reception Centre in Dublin for an initial period of ten to fourteen days. They will be given a detailed questionnaire to complete. It is important to give as much information as possible in the questionnaire, where possible to include dates, places, names etc. The information supplied in the questionnaire will be considered in assessing the application. It is important, therefore, that all questions are answered fully and truthfully. Applicants can register with the Refugee Legal Service (an independent and largely free service for asylum seekers).  It is important to receive legal advice at all stages of the asylum process. It is best to register with the Refugee Legal Service before completing the questionnaire.