What is the New EU Migration and Asylum Pact?

Coming into effect in Ireland: 12 June 2026

From 12 June 2026, major changes to how asylum applications are handled in Ireland and across the European Union will come into force. These changes are part of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, a new set of rules agreed by all EU member states.

Ireland has signed up to take part in the Pact. Our existing asylum law, the International Protection Act 2015, will be replaced by the International Protection Bill 2026.

What is the EU Migration and Asylum Pact?

The EU Migration and Asylum Pact is a set of new EU-wide rules about how people seeking asylum, also known as international protection, are processed across Europe. The aim is to make the system fairer, faster, and more consistent across all EU countries.

What changes from 12 June 2026?

Applications for international protection lodged on 12 June 2026 will be dealt with under the new rules. Applications submitted before that date will continue under the old system.

Screening on arrival: Every person who applies for asylum will go through a screening process. This includes identity checks, security checks, health checks, and biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial image, being recorded.

Eurodac database: Biometric data will be stored on a new EU-wide database called Eurodac so that information can be shared between member states.

Faster decisions: There will be legal time limits for decisions on applications, generally within six months for standard cases.

New reception centres: Applicants will be directed to designated reception centres where legal advice, health checks, and interviews can all take place in one place.

Safe country rules: Applications from people coming from countries considered safe may be fast-tracked.

Responsibility rules: The country where an applicant first enters the EU is generally responsible for their case. Applicants are now legally required to apply in that first country.

Returns: People whose applications are refused will be returned to their country of origin more quickly.

What stays the same?

The right to seek asylum in Ireland and the EU remains. People who are granted refugee status or subsidiary protection will still receive those protections.

Many of the rights available to applicants during the process, such as accommodation, healthcare, and legal advice, are retained and in some areas strengthened.

Who is affected?

These changes affect people who apply for international protection, also known as asylum, in Ireland on or after 12 June 2026.

They do not affect applications already submitted before that date. They do not apply to legal migrants or people on employment permits or visas.

Will there be two systems running at the same time?

Yes, for some time, two parallel systems will run side by side: the old system for applications made before 12 June 2026, and the new system for applications made on or after that date.