International Protection
The transition from living in Direct Provision to independent accommodation can be a difficult process. Doras provide housing and social welfare support to people seeking accommodation in Limerick city.
Applying for International Protection
Everyone who wishes to apply for international protection or asylum in Ireland has a right to do so. An application should be made in person at the International Protection Office (IPO). Their office is at 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, D02 ND99. You may also make an application at an airport or seaport.
You must be given the opportunity to present your case fully, unless your application is inadmissible or is dealt with under the EU Dublin Regulation.
All applications must be assessed fairly, and you should be treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.
International protection applicants can stay in Ireland while their application is being processed. Accommodation is provided by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) through the system known as Direct Provision, as are meals and other basic services. Each international protection applicant is entitled to a daily expense allowance of €38.80 per week for an adult and €29.80 per week for a child while waiting for their application to be finalised.
International applicants can get legal advice and representation though the Legal Aid Board. They can assist with applications to the International Protection Office and appeals to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal. The Irish Refugee Council’s Independent Law Centre also provide early legal advice and representation to people from the early stages of the asylum process.
Doras can help with ensuring that you have legal representation. However, it’s important to note that you must inform the IPO of the details of your legal representative.
This flowchart demonstrates the cycle of applying for asylum in Ireland.
For a step-by-step guide through the process see the UNHCR Ireland page on applying for asylum.
In November 2022, new procedures were introduced in the International Protection Office (IPO) to accelerate the process for making a protection application in Ireland. The intention was to establish an accelerated process for international protection applicants from safe countries of origin.
Any applicant for international protection attending at the Reception Unit of the IPO must now complete the preliminary interview, their application for international protection and will also be required to complete the Questionnaire (Application Process) (IPO2) regarding their application and the reasons they are seeking the State’s protection.
The IPO have interpretation services and cultural mediators available to support applicants in understanding and completing their International Protection application on the day.
Under the new procedure, applicants from what are termed safe countries of origin will also receive their substantive interview date on the day they apply for international protection.
The application process remains the same for all international protection applicants and applicants under the new procedure will still have the right to appeal a negative recommendation by the IPO to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal.
Your Rights as an International Protection Applicant
To simplify the complex process of international protection applications, Doras has partnered with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to develop a free online course. This course aims to equip and educate international protection applicants about their rights in Ireland and the EU regarding health, housing, social welfare, employment, and education. The course will be accessible through the SaorEd website starting in July 2023, and it is available to all international protection applicants aged 18 and above.
Our Human Rights Education course is specifically designed to empower individuals in Ireland's housing market. This comprehensive program aims to provide you with a deep understanding and practical guidance on various aspects of housing rights. Whether you are living in direct provision, emergency accommodation, or seeking information about renters' rights and mortgages, this course is for you.
During the course, you will learn about your rights while living in direct provision, the housing regulations that apply to your accommodation, and how to address any issues you may have. We will also cover the process of moving out of direct provision, providing you with the necessary tools to find a new place to live. Additionally, we will discuss how to make complaints if you feel discriminated against or treated poorly by accommodation management or fellow residents.
Furthermore, our course goes beyond just direct provision and explores the rights of renters. You will learn about finding your own private accommodation and receive a brief introduction to the process of getting a mortgage in Ireland, enabling you to own your own house.
Join us on this journey and gain the knowledge and skills needed to protect your housing rights.
Gain an understanding of your healthcare entitlements and rights with this comprehensive course. Just like Irish citizens, international protection applicants have equal access to healthcare. This course focuses on physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, emphasising the importance of your well-being.
Through this course, you will explore the array of healthcare services available to you. Starting from your initial entry into the country, you'll learn about crucial procedures like health screenings and vulnerability assessments. A key topic covered is the application process for a medical card, which grants you free access to essential healthcare services in Ireland. You'll delve into the range of benefits offered under the medical card, including general practitioner consultations, dental care, eye examinations, and much more.
In addition to healthcare specifics, the course equips you with knowledge about your legal rights to equality and protection against discrimination. It empowers you to stand up for your rights if you encounter any abuses or unfair treatment. Remember, your health is fundamental, and this course empowers you to make the most of your healthcare rights today.
Education in Ireland is highly sought-after, offering a wide range of opportunities for individuals of all ages. Our tailored education course delves into the mandatory schooling system in Ireland, catering specifically to children aged 6 to 16. You will learn about the enrollment process for playschool, primary and secondary school, as well as gain insights into the structure of school days and what to expect during state examinations.
Additionally, the course explores alternative education avenues, including special needs schools, apprenticeships, and further education. It aims to empower you with knowledge about the various grants available, eligibility criteria, and application procedures. By providing these resources, the course ensures that you have ample opportunities to advance your education and enhance your employment prospects within Ireland.
The Human Rights Education course will empower you in Ireland's labour market! This comprehensive course is designed to provide you with in-depth knowledge and practical guidance on various aspects of workplace rights. Explore essential topics such as minimum wage, working hours, and contracts, ensuring you understand your entitlements and how to address potential violations.
Discover the importance of fair treatment, equality, and combating discrimination in the workplace. Learn about your rights regarding breaks, annual leave, sick time, and parental leave, enabling you to navigate these areas confidently. We also delve into workplace safety and privacy, ensuring you have the tools to create a secure and respectful work environment.
Our course goes beyond traditional employment matters. We address practical concerns, such as opening bank accounts and obtaining driving licenses, essential for your professional and personal development in Ireland.
Join us on this empowering journey and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to protect your rights, advance your career, and thrive in the Irish labour market by enrolling in the course.
This comprehensive course is tailored to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of social welfare mechanisms in Ireland and empower you to access the benefits you are entitled to.
Discover the two main paths to qualifying for social welfare: PRSI contributions and the connection path based on habitual residency. Gain insights into the criteria for obtaining habitual residency, such as your time in Ireland, employment status, or family connections. Explore the various outcomes and rights associated with social welfare, including daily expense allowances, exceptional needs payments, working family payments, back-to-school clothing and footwear allowances, and medical cards.
Learn how to apply for these benefits by obtaining a personal public service number (PPS) and accessing the necessary application forms. We provide step-by-step instructions for each benefit, including links to online resources and contact information for community welfare services. Learn about the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and necessary documentation.
Lastly, we delve into the concept of habitual residence and its importance in gaining access to social welfare entitlements. Understand the criteria for establishing habitual residence and how it can open up a range of benefits.
Enroll in our course today and gain the knowledge and tools to navigate Ireland's social welfare system with confidence. Take control of your financial well-being and access the support you deserve.
