The Programme for Government provides for Ireland’s participation in the Union Resettlement and Humanitarian Admission Framework established under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. Ireland’s current planning assumption is for up to 650 admissions per annum in 2026 and 2027 under resettlement and complementary pathways, subject to operational capacity and available resources.
Resettlement and humanitarian admission programmes are distinct from the International Protection process. Persons admitted under these pathways are identified in cooperation with international partners, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and are admitted through planned Government programmes following appropriate screening and processing arrangements. These pathways provide safe and legal routes for persons in need of protection and operate separately from the assessment of spontaneous international protection applications made in the State. Programme refugees have full refugee status upon arrival into the State.
The costs associated with resettlement and humanitarian admission programmes vary depending on programme design, family composition, accommodation arrangements and the level of integration supports required. For this reason, a single standardised projected cost per person, including family members, is not available. Funding requirements are considered as part of the annual Estimates process and programme planning arrangements.
The Minister and the Government remain committed to delivering Ireland’s international protection and humanitarian commitments in a managed and sustainable manner, having regard to operational capacity and broader migration policy objectives.
