Family Reunification for Refugees in Ireland

A person with refugee status can apply under section 18 of the Refugee Act, 1996 to the Minister for Justice for permission to have a member of their family enter and live in Ireland. The application for family reunification is referred to the Refugee Applications Commissioner and a notification is given to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

The Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) will investigate the application and submit a report in writing to the Minister of Justice. The report will set out the relationship between the refugee concerned and the person for whom the application is made and that person’s domestic circumstances.

If the Minister for Justice is satisfied, after considering the report from the Refugee Applications Commissioner that the subject of the application is a member of the refugee’s family, the Minister for Justice will grant permission in writing to the person to enter the and reside in Ireland. People with leave to remain do not have a right to family reunification. However, they may apply to have a member of their family join them in Ireland. There is no legal definition as to who is a member of the family for people with leave to remain. However, it is likely that such definition would be similar to that of a person with refugee status.

Further information on making an application for family reunification can be found at www.oasis.gov.ie

You can apply for family Reunification at one of the following:

The Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC)
Family Reunification Unit
Timberlay House
79 – 83 Lower Mount Street
Dublin 2

Tel: (01) 6028000
LoCall: 1890 202 418

Immigration & Asylum Division
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
13 – 14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2

Tel: (01) 6167700
LoCall: 1890 551 500

Department of Foreign Affairs
Visa Office
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2

Tel: (01) 6331000

Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB)
13 – 14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2