NEW POLICY DOCUMENT ON NON-EEA FAMILY REUNIFICATION PUBLISHED 12TH JUNE 2026 INTRODUCES SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES FOR REFUGEES AND BENEFICIARIES OF SUBSIDIARY PROTECTION
The Department of Justice has published a new Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification on 12th June 2026.
This Policy Document has introduced substantial amendments to the visa application procedure for all categories of Sponsor intending to sponsor a visa application for a non-EEA family member to join them in Ireland.
The new Policy Document provides that refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection will only be able to apply for family members under this Policy where their application does not fall within the scope of the International Protection Act 2026.
Such Sponsors may only apply under this Policy Document where there has been a minimum waiting period of 2 years from the date they were granted International Protection. Such Sponsors can only apply under this Policy where the application is regarding a relationship that formed after the sponsor’s entry to Ireland.
Refugees and subsidiary protection holders who meet the above criteria will be assessed under the Policy Document as Category C Sponsors.
The new Policy Document also provides that Sponsors in all categories must not be resident in homeless accommodation, other State funded emergency accommodation, accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), social housing or local authority housing. Where a sponsor is in receipt of a social housing support, such as the Housing Assistance Payment, they also may not meet the requirements of the Policy.
Any application concerning a family member where the relationship was formed prior to the Sponsor’s entry to Ireland must be submitted under the International Protection Act 2026.
Berkeley Solicitors is available to provide advice and support for refugees commencing the Family Reunification application process.
This blog article has been prepared on the basis of current immigration law and policy, which is subject to change. Please keep an eye on our blog and Facebook page where articles relating to updates and changes in immigration law and policy are regularly posted.