Family Reunification

Beneficiaries of international protection are eligible to apply for family members to enter Ireland, S. 56(8) and/or reside in Ireland (for those already present in the State), S. 57. The Act defines ‘family members’ of sponsors as including parents (in the case of minor refugees), spouses, and children who are unmarried and under the age of 18. The Act of 2015 also includes civil partners of sponsors, S. 56(9).

The Act places a 12 month time-limit on the making of the application, S. 56(8) to run from the date on which the sponsor was given a declaration of refugee status or subsidiary protection. Any permission to enter and reside in the State which has been granted on foot of the application must be taken up by the date specified by the Minister when granting it, otherwise it lapses, S. 56(5). Permission also ceases if the marriage or partnership ceases, S. 56(6).

Family members are provided with permission to remain for not less than a specified period of 1 year and not less than 2 upon renewal.

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