Initial entry into the State
It is important to state that an application for Asylum can be made either at the frontiers of the State or by a person who is already in the State whether lawfully or unlawfully.
After a person presents themselves at the Irish border or to an Immigration Officer and declares that he/she wishes to make an application for asylum, an interview is carried out by an Immigration Officer. This is a short interview and is merely concerned with compiling the basic details of the applicant. It is important to state that this interview is not conducted for the purposes of investigating the application.
You will be required to fill in an application form for declaration as a refugee. You must also bear in mind that if you have any children and they are accompanying you, you must also fill out a separate application form for them. If you fail to do so, your children’s application will be processed as part of your application and this will limit yours and their options in the event of a negative recommendation.
Once you make an application for refugee status you are entitle to remain and reside in the state until you either withdraw your application or the Minister refuses it.
N.B. you are not entitled to leave the state without the Minister permission and you can not enter employment or carry on a business while your application is being processed. If you fail to comply with these conditions your application will be terminated.
