Which countries are on the prioritised list? 

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recommends the prioritisation of applications from certain countries within the International Protection Process. This is because there is a strong likelihood that citizens from these countries need international protection. This is the current list:

• Syria*
• Eritrea
• Afghanistan
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Yemen

*Please note that in respect of applications for International Protection from Syria, the International Protection Office has paused issuing decisions pending stabilisation in that territory.

What does mean if my application is prioritised?

If your application is prioritised, it means that you may not have to wait as long for your interview. If you are from one of the countries on the list and can demonstrate your identity and nationality through identity documents, the International Protection Office may make a decision on your application without conducting a substantive interview. This does not happen in all cases.

I think my case should be prioritised, what should I do?

If you have a solicitor, you should contact them to confirm if they have requested prioritisation on your behalf. You can also write to the International Protection Office yourself asking them to prioritise your case. If you are asking for prioritisation because of your country of origin, please explain in the email what identity documents you have already provided (if any). This can include originals and copies (originals often carry much more weight). If you can access identity documents that you have not yet shown to the International Protection Office, you should inform your solicitor of this as soon as possible. Below is an example of an email that you can adapt, depending on your circumstances, and send to the International Protection Office at: info@ipo.gov.ie

Name:

Person ID:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to draw your attention to the fact that I am from [INSERT COUNTRY] which is a prioritised country. I applied for International Proetction on [X date]. I ask that you please prioritise my application as per Paragraph 6 of PRIORITISATION OF APPLICATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION ACT 2015 (Amended)

On [Y DATE], I submitted my original driving licence to your office. I further submitted a copy of my birth certificate, as the original is missing. Please see copies of these documents attached. These are the only forms of national identity that I have. I have never had a national passport.

I note section 35 (8) of the International Protection Act 2015 states "A personal interview may be dispensed with where the international protection officer is of the opinion that— based on the available evidence, the applicant is a person in respect of whom a refugee declaration should be given".I kindly ask that you dispense with my interview if possible and prioritise my application.

Yours Faithfully,