Ireland

What changed

Ireland has allocated up to €2 million in funding through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2021-2027 to support projects that enhance the English language skills of Third Country Nationals (TCNs). This initiative aims to facilitate their integration into Irish society by improving communication abilities, thereby aiding access to public services, education, and employment. Organisations can apply for grants of a minimum of €300,000, with submissions due by 12 noon on 30 October 2026.

What changed

The Irish Immigration Service has launched the Temporary Protection Transition Scheme (TPTS), with applications opening on 30 September 2026. This initiative enables eligible individuals currently holding Temporary Protection status in Ireland to apply for a different form of immigration permission. Applicants must submit their applications via the designated online portal, ensuring all required information and supporting documentation are provided.

What changed

Ireland has reported early improvements in how it processes applications for international protection, about 100 days after the EU Migration and Asylum Pact began. Speaking at a conference in Malta on 28 September 2026, the Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy, noted that Ireland's experience showed the asylum system was now more efficient and effective thanks to the Pact's implementation. The government believes these early results come from planning before the new law started, new screening checks, better ways to verify documents, increased use of electronic evidence, and the new processing timelines brought in by the International Protection Act 2026.

What changed

Ireland is starting a 'Temporary Protection Transition Scheme'. This scheme will give a Stamp 4 immigration permission to people who have temporary protection and meet certain conditions. This permission is for up to two years at first and people can renew it. Time spent with this permission will count towards naturalisation, which means becoming a citizen. The scheme aims to help people find jobs and live independently. Applications are expected to open in September 2026.

What changed

On 24 August 2026, Jim O'Callaghan, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, signed a contract to launch a 12-month electronic monitoring pilot scheme in Ireland. This scheme targets particular types of offenders, bringing in a new way to oversee and ensure compliance within the justice system. The pilot aims to improve how these individuals are supervised, helping to keep the public safe and manage offenders better.

What changed

From 15 June 2026, Ireland's Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration will require people from Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia to get a visa before entering or travelling through the country. Minister for Migration Colm Brophy announced this new rule. It brings Ireland's immigration checks more in line with those in the United Kingdom and the Schengen area (a group of 27 European countries that have removed border controls between them). Temporary rules apply to travellers from these countries who booked their trip before the new rule started and are travelling before 14 July 2026.