Refugees must wait three years to reunite with immediate family under new plans

Ottoline Spearman

Refugees will need to wait three years before bringing close family including spouses and children to the country under new rules which will be discussed by Cabinet on Tuesday.

Last November, the Government indicated that it would be tightening asylum rules on family reunification, including introducing financial thresholds, as well as exclusions based on social welfare payment receipt or owing a debt to the State.

However, the Irish Times reports that further restrictions will be set out by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan on Tuesday, where the International Protection Bill is set to introduce a general waiting period of three years for refugees. This would also apply to close family members including spouses and children.

The bill is set to overhaul the State’s asylum system in advance of European Union-wide rules coming into force in June, and would replace the International Protection Act 2015.

Speaking about the introduction previously, Mr O'Callaghan said: "It is my belief that implementing a firmer migration system is a key element in protecting the integrity of our immigration framework, while supporting those in need of international protection.

"These changes are ultimately about giving those who are entitled to international protection the opportunity to rebuild their lives here quickly and, at the same time, ensuring faster removals in respect of those who do not meet the criteria.”

The number of people seeking asylum has dropped, with 13,162 people applying last year - a decrease of 29 per cent since 2024.

However, those leaving following an unsuccessful asylum application increased significantly in 2025, with 2,111 leaving in 2025  as compared with 1,116 the previous year - almost double the number.

The main driver of those figures is still people leaving voluntarily, accounting for 1,616 of the total. Under voluntary return, the State can meet travel costs and offers financial help to those leaving.

The Irish Times reports that Mr O’Callaghan is expected to tell Ministers this week that there will be a broader use of voluntary returns than envisaged by the EU migration pact - which has strict rules relating to voluntary returns.

EU rules include not allowing this option for those whose refugee applications are rejected as unfounded and providing 15 days for people to return.

But as the rules only apply to Schengen area countries, the Government believes Ireland has more flexibility to facilitate voluntary returns.

The Department of Justice figures show that enforced deportations or those carried out by charter flights grew to 367 last year - a 137 per cent increase on 2024.

Under the new system, the International Protection Appeals Tribunal would also be replaced by a new body called the Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals.

There is also a plan to limit the use of oral hearings for asylum seekers who are appealing decisions.