Author
In the Direct Provision system, no differential treatment of different nationalities has been noted to date. There have been comparisons drawn between Direct Provision and EROC, the latter of which tends to have a wider array of orientation and integration supports to assist relocated and resettled refugees – who are predominantly Syrian.
Following the onset of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, approximately 510 Afghan nationals obtained visas and visa waivers to travel to Ireland pursuant to the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP). According to most recently available statistics, 394 individuals have travelled to Ireland to-date with this figure expected to increase.[1] The first group of evacuated refugees arriving in August 2021.[2] In the experience of the Irish Refugee Council, as of January 2023, newly arrived Afghan refugees are being accommodated at one of three Emergency and Orientation Reception Centres in Mosney, Co. Meath, Clonea, Co. Waterford and Balaghaderren, Co. Roscommon.[3]
For 2025, a designated partner organisation, was appointed by the Department to support the admission of 50 Afghan individuals under the Humanitarian Admissions programme, using a community sponsorship framework. The 2025 Humanitarian Admissions Programme was divided into two phases and Phase 1 has been completed. It is planned to complete the balance of the 50 pledged arrivals before the end of 2025. It is envisaged that the 50 pledged arrivals will arrive in Ireland throughout 2026.[4]
[1] RTÉ, 394 Afghan refugees have arrived in Ireland since Taliban took control, 8 December 2021, available here.
[2] The Journal, First group of evacuated Afghan refugees to arrive in Ireland this evening, 23 August 2021, available here.
[3] Information provided by Irish Refugee Council Resettlement Caseworker, January 2023.
[4] Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Response to Parliamentary Question No 361, 13 November 2025, available here.