Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022
342. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of refugees admitted into Ireland to date under the Afghan Admission Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15564/22]
View answerIn response to the most recent crisis in Afghanistan, the Government 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 in certain neighbouring countries having fled from Afghanistan since 1 August 2021, and who have close family members in Ireland.
The Afghan Admission Programme opened on 16 December 2021 and my Department accepted applications posted on or before 11 March 2022.
I can confirm that approximately 500 applications have been received and will be assessed in line with the published criteria for the Programme.
I expect to be in a position to provide a more comprehensive update in the coming weeks.
