Frequently Asked Questions about the protection process (January 2024 update) This resource gives information about the international protection (or ‘asylum’) process in Ireland. We hope it will be a useful source of information and respond to questions about this system. At the end of the document, there are charts and a list of resources that may also be helpful. This document is updated periodically. This update was published 24 January. Download FAQ Questions answered include: What do the terms ‘asylum seeker’, ‘international protection applicant’ and ‘refugee’ mean? Who is seeking asylum in Ireland and what is the registration process they must undertake? Are people ‘vetted’? How does Ireland decide who is a refugee and how long does this process take? Why do some people seek protection from ‘safe’ countries such as Georgia, and how does Ireland consider their applications? What percentage of applications are successful? How does the Irish protection process compare to other EU states? How are asylum seekers accommodated and do asylum seekers get automatic access to housing? How are people with status accommodated? Do asylum seekers get social welfare? Can asylum seekers work in Ireland? Why has there been an increase in people seeking asylum in Ireland since 2022? Does Ireland take more asylum seekers and refugees than other countries? How do Deportation Orders (DO) work? Why are refugees still coming from Ukraine, is Ireland taking more refugees from Ukraine than other countries? Does Ireland give more support to refugees from Ukraine than other European countries? Manage Cookie Preferences