A Refugee is defined under the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention as:
A person who is outside his or her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well founded fear of persecution because of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country or to return there for fear of persecution.
Those with refugee status enjoy similar rights to Irish nationals and these rights are set out in the Refugee Act 1996. To view the Refugee Act, 1996 click here
Registration
When you receive the final (second) letter declaring you to be a refugee from the Ministerial Decisions Unit of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform you must register with the nearest Garda Immigration Officer. If you do not know where your nearest Garda Immigration Officer you can ask in your local Garda Station or telephone the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in Dublin at 01 666 9100.
You should bring the original letter declaring your refugee status to the GNIB. It is important to keep this letter, or a copy, as it is proof of status. A photocopy should be made of the letter before visiting the Garda Immigration Officer.
On registration you will receive a registration card with your picture and stamp no.4. This needs to renewed every year at least one month before it expires, or if you change address, even within the same area.
Employment
When registered you can now work and set up a business in Ireland without further documentation. For further information, contact the local FAS office or Citizens Information Board. Before starting work you should talk to their Jobs Facilitator in the Social Welfare Office to see if you qualify for any assistance once you start work.
FAS
Those with refugee status are entitled to go to FAS courses and the Community Employment scheme. For detailed information you should talk to a FAS officer or Local Employment Service mediator.
Social Welfare
As a refugee is entitled to work they should be receiving a basic payment from the local Social Welfare Office and not the local Health Board. Ask your current Community Welfare Officer where the nearest Social Welfare Office is. Due to being able to work you can receive Unemployment Assistance. If you are unable to work due to illness or disability or because they are a single parent, you will be asked to apply for a payment that suits your circumstances.
If you are a parent or guardian you should be receiving Child Benefit for every child under 19 years and in full time education, in your custody. Forms are available from your local Social Welfare Office.
Those with refugee status are also entitled to apply for 'Exceptional Needs Payments' from the local Community Welfare Officer for extra essential outlays eg. equipment for a new baby. Each application is taken on a case-by-case basis so there is no guarantee of payment.