Support services for foreign nationals in Ireland
- Introduction
- Support for visitors and tourists
- Immigration advice
- Other organisations that can help
- Contacts
Introduction
This page has information on organisations in Ireland that can give you information and advice about immigration or other difficulties you might have.
Support for visitors and tourists
Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS)
ITAS is a free nationwide service offering support and assistance to tourists who are victims of crime, or experience other traumatic events while visiting Ireland. It can help you replace travel documents, help with language difficulties, deal with medical needs, arrange accommodation or meals if needed and help to replace stolen travel tickets.
ITAS does not provide financial assistance to victims of crime, replace lost or stolen items or offer legal or insurance advice.
Foreign embassies and consulates
There are many foreign embassies and consulates in Ireland that provide consular services to nationals of their country. These services include advice and practical help with travel documentation. If you lose your passport or travel documentation when you are in Ireland, your country’s embassy or consulate can give you a temporary travel document. Your embassy or consulate can also help if you:
- Have a medical emergency
- Are a victim of crime
- Are arrested or accused of a crime
Immigration advice
The organisations below can give you information and advice about immigration.
Immigrant Council of Ireland
The Immigration Council of Ireland (ICI) provides an information service and a limited legal service to immigrants.
Migrant Rights Centre Ireland
The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) is a national organisation providing support to migrant workers and their families. The MRCI's drop-in centre provides information, advice and assistance.
Crosscare Migrant Project
Crosscare Migrant Project provides immigration information, support and advocacy to migrants in Ireland. Visit migrantproject.ie.
Nasc
Nasc’s advocacy service provides immigration information and advice.
Doras
Doras gives information and advice on immigration through its advice and information centre.
Irish Refugee Council
The Irish Refugee Council has a drop in centre that can give you advice about the asylum process, direct provision and family reunification.
Other organisations that can help
International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS)
IPAS provides accommodation to people who have applied for international protection. It arranges accommodation and co-ordinates other services (including health, social services, welfare and education) for asylum seekers and people who have international protection.
Scheme of voluntary assisted return
If you wish to return voluntarily to your country of origin, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) may be able to assist you to return home. The IOM runs a Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Scheme, which can help you with travel documentation and arrange for transit and arrival assistance if needed.
Contacts
For further information on supports for foreign nationals in Ireland, you can contact your local Citizens Information Centre or the Citizens Information Phone Service.