THE AFGHAN ADMISSION PROGRAMME (AAP) (16 December 2021)
1. INTRODUCTION & INFORMATION:
In response to recent developments in Afghanistan the Irish government has introduced an immigration programme specifically for Afghan nationals. It offers temporary Irish residence to people whose freedom or safety is at risk, whether resident in Afghanistan or certain neighbouring countries having fled from Afghanistan since 1 August 2021 and who have close family members in Ireland. Please see the following websites:
- ISD Information Note:: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/the-afghan-admission-programme-information-page/
- AAP Application Form: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Afghan-Admission-Programme-Application-16-Dec-2021.pdf
- AAP Guidance Document: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Afghan-Admission-Programme-Guidance-16-Dec-2021.pdf
2. KEY DATES:
The following are the key dates for the Programme:
- 16 December 2021 Programme opens for applications;
- 30 December 2021 Frequently Asked Questions document issues;
- 24 February 2022 Programme closes for applications.
3. ESTIMATED PROCESSING TIMES:
Estimated processing times will not be confirmed until it closes. An update as to expected timelines will issue by 14 March 2022/
4. WHO CAN APPLY:
A person originally from Afghanistan legally resident in Ireland on or before 1 September 2021 holding an immigration permission with a minimum remaining duration of 12 months and/or is renewable at the time of application, or a Naturalised Irish Citizen (previously from Afghanistan).
5. HOW MANY FAMILY MEMBERS CAN YOU APPLY FOR:
Applicants can apply for up to 4 beneficiaries. There will be up to 500 places available and it may not be possible to grant permission to every proposed and eligible beneficiary.
6. WHICH FAMILY MEMBERS CAN YOU APPLY FOR:
There will be up to 500 places available and not every proposed beneficiary may be granted permission.
The eligible categories of proposed beneficiary are as follows:
- Spouse/de facto Spouse/Civil partner;
- Adult Child (unmarried and without dependants);
- Minor Children (unmarried and without dependants);
- Related Minor Children without parents for whom you have parental responsibility (unmarried and without dependants, e.g. Sibling, Orphaned Niece/Nephew/Grandchild);
- Parents;
- Grandparents;
- Vulnerable Adult Close Family Members (who do not have a spouse/partner or other close relative to support them).
7. PRIORITY:
Those proposed beneficiaries most at risk will be prioritised, based on the following criteria:
- The nature of the risk;
- The vulnerability of this particular person to the risk;
- Whether the risk to this particular person has increased since the overthrow of the democratically elected government of Afghanistan.
8. HOW WILL VULNERABILITY BE ASSESSED:
In the decision-making process the Minister will have regard to:
- The priority you indicate on the application form; and
- The views you outline as to the risk to the safety and freedom of each person you nominate.
The assessment will have regard to the vulnerability to risk of each individual and in particular to the vulnerability of close family members who are:
- Older persons;
- Children;
- Single female parents;
- Single women and girls;
- Persons with disabilities;
- Persons whose previous employment exposes them to risk (e.g. UN; EU staff).
- Regard will be had to the evidence provided by you as the proposer and other relevant information.
9. WHERE DO YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS NEED TO BE LIVING IN?
Each proposed beneficiary identified must be a national of Afghanistan, currently living in Afghanistan, or who fled to Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan or Tajikistan since 1 August 2021.
10. RIGHT OF APPEAL:
There will be a right of appeal against a negative decision.
11. OBLIGATIONS OF THE SPONSOR APPLICANTS:
- Have sufficient financial resources to support all of your successful beneficiaries from the date of their arrival in Ireland until they are able to support themselves.
- Be in a position to arrange and pay for all travel arrangements for all beneficiaries for their journeys to Ireland.
12. TYPE OF PERMISSION TO REMAIN GRANTED:
Family members receive who to Ireland under the Afghan Admission Programme will be granted a 2 Years’ Temporary Permission to Remain. They will be entitled to seek a renewal of their permission to remain.
13. RIGHTS GRANTED TO YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS:
Successful beneficiaries will have the following rights and entitlements:
- Right to Work without a permit;
- Right to Operate a business;
- Access State provided primary and secondary education for children;
- Access emergency treatment in the public health system.
14. HOW TO APPLY FOR THE AFGHAN ADMISSION PROGRAMME:
The programme is OPEN for applications from 16 December 2021 using this Application Form: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Afghan-Admission-Programme-Application-16-Dec-2021.pdf
The Department of Justice has asked Applicants NOT to submit any application BEFORE 30 December 2021, when a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Document will issue.
The time between the 16th December and end of year, should be used to gather the various proofs, in particular proofs establishing identity and availability of accommodation.
15. GUIDANCE DOCUMENT:
Applicants should study carefully this Guidance Document before submitting their Application:
16. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST:
There is no application fee for submitting an application, but certain other fees are payable as the application is progressed.
17. WHAT DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS INVOLVE:
Please see the Guidance Document here: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Afghan-Admission-Programme-Guidance-16-Dec-2021.pdf
18. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU RECEIVE A POSITIVE DECISION:
You will have to make an individual visa applications for each of the beneficiaries.
19. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU RECEIVE A NEGATIVE DECISION TO:
You will be entitled to appeal the decision.
DLCM SOLICITORS LLP will closely examine the Application Form and Guidance Document over the next couple of days before arranging consultations with our Clients.
DLCM SOLICITORS LLP
16/12/2021
