Overview

In Ireland, the asylum system is commonly referred to as the international protection system. This is the system through which people can apply to be recognised as refugees or for subsidiary protection. Ireland also has various migration systems, including for employment and family reunification. The following pages give an overview of the various systems and also information on being undocumented or detained in Ireland.
Ireland participates in many of the EU laws on migration and asylum, including the Dublin III Regulation. However, Ireland is not within the Schengen Zone, and passports and identity documents are checked when you arrive from other EU countries.
Ireland is part of a Common Travel Area (CTA) with the UK, which allows for free travel between the countries, however, there may be identity checks depending on how a person travels, and a visa may be required depending on the person’s nationality.
Some of the information in the following pages may not be up to date, www.irishimmigration.ie and www.ipo.gov.ie should be checked. This information is also not legal advice and a legal representative should be consulted. Welcome 2 Europe disclaims any legal responsibility for the content or the accuracy of the information provided.