Bank Account
To open a bank account, you can usually do this in a branch or online. You will need to provide proof of your identity and your address. There are standard documents that they will look for e.g. passport or driving licence but if you do not have these, there are alternative documents that you can provide such as travel documents or temporary residence card or temporary permission letter. You will need to check what documents are needed with the bank that you are opening an account with.
The following links offer more information:
- Citizens Information - Opening a Bank Account
- MABS - How to Open a Bank Account: Step-by-Step Guide
- Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) - Guide to Opening a Bank Account for Refugees and Asylum Seekers .
- You can also download the Guide for International Protection Applicants in Other Languages.
- The Irish Banking Culture Board - Guide to Basic Bank Accounts (in Ukrainian)
Reporting Racism/ Discrimination
A hate crime is any crime where the victim or someone else believes it was partly or fully motivated by hate or prejudice. This could be because of the person’s actual or perceived:
- Race or skin colour
- Nationality or ethnic background
- Religion
Examples of hate crime could include: verbal abuse, obscene/offensive calls, text, mail or emails, assault, harassment, criminal damage, arson, manslaughter, murder
If you have experienced anything like this, you should report to the Gardaí at a local station or online Hate Crime Online Reporting - Garda
If you have experienced, witnessed or heard about a racist incident in Ireland, you can confidentially report the incident. They compile data from information submitted by people to monitor racism and advocate for improved policies - Irish Network Against Racism
If you feel threatened in any way or are in danger, call 999/112.
Migrant Support
Provide services and support for people seeking protection and people recognised as refugees in Ireland. They have an Information and Advocacy Service Helpline 01 764 5854 (Mon, Tues and Thurs, 10am–1pm and 2-4pm); Ukrainian Language Information Helpline 01 913 1528 (Mon – Fri, 10am–1pm). They can also be emailed info@irishrefugeecouncil.ie
Support and advocate for the rights of immigrants and their families. Helpline 01 674 0200 open from 10am-1pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and evening support on Tuesdays from 7pm-9pm.
Advocacy Service has a free helpline service for questions on immigration law in Ireland or reception conditions for international protection applicants. Helpline 021 427 3594, check website for opening hours.
They are a national organisation working to advance the rights of migrant workers and their families at risk of exploitation, social exclusion and discrimination. Helpline 01 889 7570 or 083 075 53 87.
Support survivors of torture to rebuild their lives in Ireland. Phone number 01 8389664, email info@spirasi.ie
Provides support, makes referrals, and advocates on behalf of international protection applicants, refugees and migrants who need assistance accessing their rights and entitlements, primarily at our headquarters in Limerick. We also provide support online, over the phone, and nationally through our outreach efforts.
Human Trafficking – Information on how to report and supports available Blue Blindfold Campaign
All helplines are a free. These organisations will not ask you for a payment.
Domestic Abuse/ Sexual Violence Support
What is abuse?
If a partner or an ex makes you feel scared, controlled or intimidated, you may be experiencing domestic abuse. There are many different forms of abuse. It can be physical, and leave visible marks, or it can be emotional, and have impacts that can’t be seen by other people. All types of abuse are damaging, and nobody deserves to be treated in that way.
The 24hr National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 is a free, non-judgmental and confidential service that offers support to women subjected to domestic abuse including coercive control and stalking. This includes emotional, physical, sexual or economic abuse by a current or former partner.
They offer support, counselling, day respite, safety planning and other services. Freephone 1800 444944
Provides compassionate and non-judgmental support to all women, with or without children, living in Kilkenny and Carlow who are or have in the past experienced any form of domestic violence and abuse. We are a specialist domestic abuse organisation, delivering support services to women both at the refuge and in the community. 24hr support line 0818 42 42 44
Empowering and supporting men and their families experiencing domestic violence, to be safe.
Carlow & South Leinster Rape Crisis Centre
Offer support to clients and those who wish to talk about issues relating to sexual violence or sexual abuse. Helpline: 1800 727 737, National Helpline: 1800 77 88 88
Offer nationwide support to women impacted by prostitution, sex trafficking and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation at any time in their lives. FREEPHONE 1800 02 02 02 / (+353) 1 836 0292 (if calling from an international number) Call us in office hours (9:00-17:00 Monday - Friday)