Humanitarian Admissions
Learn about Humanitarian Admissions, Ireland's named community sponsorship programme, and how groups across Ireland help families settle safely and build a new life with structured, local support.
IRPP Humanitarian Admissions Programme 2026
The Humanitarian Admissions Programme 2026 is now open. The Open Community has been appointed by the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) to administer the programme. The programme will facilitate the admission of up to 50 beneficiaries to Ireland in 2026 under a community sponsorship framework.
Eligibility
The Humanitarian Admissions Programme 2026 has been developed by the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) in line with the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which came into effect on 12 June 2026. To be eligible for consideration under HA26, beneficiaries must:
- already have been displaced to a third country at the point of application
- relevant biometric data and pre-departure orientation information must be gathered in advance of travel
The programme is intended for people with significant protection needs, including:
- Women and girls at risk.
- Survivors of violence or torture, including on the basis of gender or sexual orientation.
- Persons with legal and/or physical protection needs, including protection from refoulement.
- Persons who lack a foreseeable alternative durable solution, particularly those in a protracted refugee situation.
- Persons who face serious risk because of their work, profile, or public role, such as human rights defenders, journalists, educators, academics, or others at risk due to conflict, persecution, or serious human rights violations.
How to Apply
Step 1. Register
Complete the registration form below to receive the programme information pack. The pack includes copies of these documents that explain the eligibility criteria, how Community Sponsorship works, and the application process and timelines for HA26.
Resources
Step 2. Watch the Information Webinar
Our online information webinar took place on Wednesday 15th July 2026, but you can access a recording by completing the registration form below.
The webinar is designed to help prospective applicants understand the programme and decide whether it is the right fit before progressing to the next stage.
Step 3. Submit an Expression of Interest
Along with the webinar recording, we will share Expression of Interest forms with everyone who has registered their interest using the form at the bottom of this page.
Important Dates
- Expression of Interest deadline: Monday 27th July at 9:00am