Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
780. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current status of the HAP25 Afghan Community Sponsorship Programme; whether the 50 places approved for Afghans in need of protection in 2026 have now been opened for applications; the reason for the delay; when the programme will formally open for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14838/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the 2025 Humanitarian Admissions Programme has closed for applications.
The Humanitarian Admissions Programme prioritises at-risk individuals such as human rights defenders, women’s rights activists, LGBTQ+ individuals, judiciary, and journalists, for admission to Ireland as programme refugees.
This is managed within the remit of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme in my Department. Over 700 people from Afghanistan have been admitted to Ireland under this programme since its inception in 2021.
The 2025 Programme is now complete, and arrangements are being made by department officials to facilitate the arrivals of the remaining successful applicants.
It is expected that the remaining successful applicants under the 2025 Programme will arrive in Ireland in the coming weeks.
The 2026 Humanitarian Admission Programme will commence in the second half of 2026 and will be aligned with the EU Resettlement and Humanitarian Admission Framework Regulation, a Regulation that is part of the Migration Pact.
The Department remains committed to welcoming 50 persons to Ireland under humanitarian admissions during 2026.
