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Anti-trafficking
If you are a suspected or presumed victim of human trafficking in Ireland you have a number of rights and entitlements. For a complete overview of these, click here.
Presumed or suspected victim of human trafficking can only be identified by the Gardaí. This is based on the belief that there are reasonable grounds that a human trafficking offence has been committed against a person.
If you require permission to remain in Ireland you will first receive a short-term residency permit known as a recovery and reflection period. This lasts for 60 days, during which time you will need to decide whether you wish to work with the Garda in their investigation of your trafficker(s).
During the 60 days you will be accommodated in a RIA accommodation centre for asylum seekers. You can seek legal advice from the Legal Aid Board and will be assigned a care worker from the HSE who will develop a care plan for you and assist you with your medical needs.
At the end of the 60 days, if you choose to work with the Garda, you will be granted a renewable temporary residency permit of six months. For the duration of this permit, you can access education courses, training programmes and are eligible to work in Ireland.
If you choose to seek international protection instead (you cannot follow the two paths at the same time), you have the same rights and entitlements as other asylum seekers. You are, however, entitled to the same legal advice as other identified victims of trafficking and will be assisted by the HSE.
f you are an EU citizen, and do not have sufficient means, you will be accommodated at a RIA accommodation centre. You have the same rights as other EU nationals and are entitled to the same legal advice as other identified victims, and will be assisted by the HSE.
There are a number of avenues through which victims of trafficking can claim compensation.
Victims wishing to return home can be assisted by the International Organisation for Migration or RIA depending on their home country.
For further detailed information please contact our Information Line.