Deportation
A Section 3 letter, or three option letter, is a process individuals could be placed on, if they have come into the attention of immigration authorities while undocumented in the State or if your application for international protection has been refused.
This letter, gives you three options:
- To agree to deportation
- To apply for Leave to Remain on Humanitarian grounds
- To return voluntarily to your country of origin
It is important to seek legal advice immediately if you have received a deportation letter.
Yes. You have the right to:
- Appeal the decision or
- Apply for revocation of a deportation order
You will need legal representation to apply for leave to remain and Doras can recommend one for you. You need to ask how strong your case is and what the fee will be.
Doras can:
- Provide information on your rights and options
- Refer you to trusted legal support
- Offer guidance on accessing services and supports during the process
Send us a secure web query to request a free and confidential appointment: www.doras.org/contact
Many individuals spend long periods - sometimes over a year - waiting under a deportation order. During this time, you have no right to work and are ineligible for social welfare payments.
Social Welfare and Supports
Once you are subject to a deportation order:
- You generally are not entitled to social welfare, housing supports, or state allowances.
- Deportation orders usually mean loss of benefits including medical cards and social supports.
Access to Healthcare
- General healthcare: Even people without legal immigration status (including those subject to deportation orders) can still access healthcare and medical treatment, including treatment in hospitals. Irish hospitals will not generally refuse treatment because of immigration status.
- Medical card access: You generally lose access to a state medical card once a deportation order is issued, which means you may have to pay for services.
- Emergency care: Emergency and essential treatment is still provided regardless of immigration status (though fees may apply).
Reporting Crimes
You can report a crime to the Gardaí (Irish police) regardless of your immigration status or whether you have a deportation order. Being undocumented or under a deportation order does not prevent you from contacting police if you are a victim or witness of a crime.
If you fear immigration consequences when reporting, Doras can accompany you.
Please contact our Migrant Victim Support Service if you’ve been a victim of crime: email mvs@doras.org or call 083 008 6391.
Children and Education
- Right to primary and secondary education: All children legally residing in Ireland - including those whose families are undocumented or subject to deportation orders - have the right to attend free primary and secondary school. Schools cannot deny access because of immigration status.
- Early years and childcare: Children in protection systems can access some childcare schemes, but support varies by status.
- Third-level (college/university): Access usually requires recognised immigration status for registration and funding; children with deportation orders at family level may face barriers for third-level study without permission to remain.
Please visit the Immigration official website for up to date information.
