International Protection

International Protection is the protection and legal status granted by a government to someone who has left another country to escape being harmed.

We are an independent service, who can provide you with legal assistance with your application if you are applying for international protection in Ireland. However, it is essential that you make an application to the Legal Aid Board for legal assistance immediately on registering your intent to apply for international protection with the International Protection Office, as there are very short and strict timelines for the different steps involved in applying for international protection.

You can apply for legal services from the Legal Aid Board directly at our Legal Aid Board Citywest Legal Counselling Service. This service is based in Citywest Reception Centre where you will be making your application for international protection. Our Legal Counselling staff can help you to make an application for legal services.

Your application will be sent to one of our specialised International Protection Law Centres in Dublin (Smithfield), Cork (Popes Quay) and Galway (Woodquay).

Priority

All applications for legal services in connection with an International Protection application are treated with priority in our Law Centres because of the very strict time lines for the different steps involved in the process of applying for international protection but you must apply for legal services as early as possible.

The Law Centre will process your application for legal services. The Law Centre may provide you with legal services directly or, where they cannot offer you a priority appointment or service, you will be granted a legal aid certificate for legal assistance in the application process and representation for an appeal, if required, from a private solicitor.

We Can Provide

1. Legal advice: Clear, confidential legal advice to ensure that you make your best case during the application process before the International Protection Office and to help you understand your rights, the process and what to expect at each stage.

2. Legal representation: Legal advice from our solicitors on your options and your prospects on appeal if you receive a negative decision on your application for international protection from the International Protection Office, and wish to appeal this decision to the Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals. If you decide to lodge an appeal, you will be provided with a solicitor and barrister to prepare your appeal and represent you.

Legal Counselling

The Legal Aid Board also provides free legal counselling services to applicants for international protection. These services are available through our Legal Counselling Service based in Citywest Reception Centre, where you will be making your application for international protection. 

Legal Counselling is general information and guidance on the different procedures under which your application for international protection may be examined as well as guidance on your rights and obligations during the procedures and guidance on the completion of the international protection application during screening.

Legal counselling can be accessed during the process for making an application for international protection or at a later stage of the process where there is no legal representative already providing assistance in the application. It is advised that you avail of these services in advancing of lodging your application for international protection.

Client Testimonial

“With the support of the Legal Aid Board solicitor, I was able to apply for refugee status after facing persecution and threats to my life. My solicitor supported me in every step of the application process to the International Protection Office.”