The programme will provide up to 500 additional places for Afghan family members. More than 670 Afghan nationals have already been granted permission to reside in the State so far this year.

Minister of State for Law Reform, Youth Justice and Immigration, James Browne, TD has welcomed the approval of the Afghan Admission Programme.

Afghan nationals living in Ireland on or before 1 September 2021, will be able to apply to nominate up to four close family members meeting the eligibility criteria and who are currently living in Afghanistan or who have fled to certain neighbouring countries (Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and The Vakan (an autonomous region of the People’s Republic of China)) since 1 August 2021.

Eligible family members will be granted residence, permission that allows them immediate access to the labour market, without the need for an employment permit. The Programme, including the detailed eligibility criteria and the application process, will be developed over the coming months, with a view to issuing a call for applications in December. An appeals process for unsuccessful applicants will also be established.

In line with previously announced Government commitments, the admission of ‘programme refugees’ under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) is being led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, which has overall responsibility for the IRPP. The Department of Justice is providing practical support by way of issuing visas or visa letters in lieu to this cohort to facilitate their travel to Ireland.

Minister Browne outlined the positive approach taken by officials to expedite applications from Afghan nationals under existing immigration schemes:

“Under our existing immigration schemes, we have supported hundreds of at-risk Afghans to gain residence permission in Ireland. In addition to the visas for the 400 Afghan people granted ‘programme refugee’ status by Minister O’Gorman, my Department has granted family reunification permission to 108 Afghan family members under the terms of the International Protection Act 2015, and approved 162 join family visa applications for Afghan nationals.”

“Combined with the 500 available places on the programme that we are announcing today, this represents a very high level of support for the 1,200 strong Afghan community currently living in Ireland”.