Irish Refugee Protection Programme Humanitarian Admission Programme 2 (IHAP)
Information on the IHAP (2) is available here: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/irish-refugee-protection-programme-humanitarian-admission-programme-2-(ihap)
The deadline to submit applications is 30 June 2018.
The application form is available here: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/form-IHAP1.pdf/Files/form-IHAP1.pdf.
The INIS has provided us with the following helpful informatoin about the Programme:-
1. Is there a maximum number of proposers and/or beneficiaries that will benefit from the IRPP HAP Programme?
In the IHAP programme, we refer to the person in Ireland that
completes the form on behalf of their family members that wish to
benefit from the scheme as the ‘proposer’. We do not call them
sponsors as there are no specific economic conditions imposed upon
them and the beneficiaries of the scheme will receive a status in the
State independent of the proposer (i.e. programme refugee status).
This admission programme is expected to provide for an admission
pathway through the IRPP for up to 530 vulnerable family members over
the next two years.
The proposal form requires that the proposer nominate one ‘priority
beneficiary’ in order to allow the maximum number of families to
benefit from the scheme. An unlimited number of additional
beneficiaries may also be included. If the programme is
oversubscribed, the objective will be to admit the priority
beneficiaries and spread the benefit of the programme to the maximum
number of families.
Naturally, if the demand for the scheme is extremely high, the number
of valid proposals that could be included in the current call would
be limited to a maximum of 530. At present, this scenario appears
highly unlikely.
2. On what basis will applications be granted / refused (e.g. first come, first served basis?)?
Firstly, it is important to note that this is an admission programme
and the objective of the programme is to admit, not refuse, those who
would participate in it. The programme has a target to admit 530
people over a two year period and it will be subject to review and
may broaden its scope in the future if it is not sufficiently
subscribed to meet that target.
Proposals are only accepted during designated periods, the first of
which commenced on 14 May and will finish on 30 June. There is no
evidence at present that would suggest that this programme will be
oversubscribed this year.
3. What are the criteria for the granting or refusing of an application (e.g. financial considerations, availability of accommodation)?
The primary criteria for granting a proposal is the fulfilment of the
eligibility criteria including the eligible categories of beneficiary
and the provision of sufficient valid documentation in support of
those criteria (e.g. compelling proof of identity, nationality and
proof of stated familial relationship).
In general, financial considerations will not be a reason for
refusing an application, however, where a proposed beneficiary is a
child or vulnerable adult, there will be an overall assessment of
whether the proposer is in a position to provide the necessary
support to that proposed beneficiary.
In relation to accommodation, as set out in the proposal form,
“priority will be given to proposals where the Proposers can provide
accommodation and supports to the beneficiaries.” What this means is
that the provision of accommodation by the proposer is a matter
relevant to the speed at which a proposal will be processed to
completion. In other words, the provision of accommodation is a
factor relevant to the priority given a proposal but is not a factor
that will determine whether a proposal will be granted or refused.