Related Services

Additional resources and assistance available to you

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IPO Portal

Access your personal application dashboard

The International Protection Applicant Portal is a secure online system that allows international protection applicants to track their application status and manage their case information.

Through the portal, you can:

  • Check the current status of your application

  • View important notifications and updates

  • Access scheduled appointment information

  • Update your contact details

  • View correspondence from the IPO

  • Upload your documents

Legal Aid

Legal Aid: Refugee Legal Support Service

The Refugee Legal Service (RLS) is a specialist legal service within the Legal Aid Board that provides free, independent legal services to asylum seekers and refugees in Ireland.

The RLS provides:

  • Provides legal counselling to applicants

  • Representation at IPO interviews and IPAT appeals

  • Assistance with preparing your application and supporting documents

  • Information about your rights and obligations

  • Support throughout the application process

All services are provided free of charge to international protection applicants. The legal aid board operates independently from the International Protection Office and can provide confidential legal advice.

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Appeals

TARA: Tribunal for Asylum Returns Appeals

The International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) is an independent quasi-judicial body that hears appeals against recommendations made by the International Protection Office to refuse international protection.

IPAT provides:

  • Appeals for IPAT are only for applications submitted pre-12 June

  • Independent review of IPO decisions

  • Oral hearings where applicants can present their case

  • Written submissions and evidence consideration

  • Final determination on international protection claims

  • Information about the appeals process and timeframes

If your application for international protection is refused by the IPO, you have the right to appeal this decision to IPAT. The tribunal operates independently and will conduct a full review of your case.

Please contact the Refugee Legal Service for legal representation for your appeal.

Voluntary Return

Voluntary Return: Assistance for those wishing to return to their country of origin

The Voluntary Return Programme provides assistance to international protection applicants and other migrants who wish to return to their country of origin. It is a voluntary, confidential programme that offers practical and financial support to help you return home safely and with dignity.

The programme provides:

  • Travel arrangements to your country of origin

  • Financial reintegration support

  • Pre-departure counselling and orientation

  • Post-arrival assistance and follow-up

  • Assistance with travel documentation if needed

Important: Voluntary return is completely different from deportation. It is a choice you make, and you are supported throughout the process by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Department of Justice.

The service is confidential, and counselling is available to help you make an informed decision about whether voluntary return is right for you.

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