More than 13 per cent of refugee application cases were granted status last year, according to the annual report of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner published today.
The report showed that 15,212 applications for a declaration as a refugee were completed, an increase of 25 per cent from 2001. Out of this number 893 (13 per cent) were granted refugee status.
In 2001 467 (9 per cent) applications were successful.
Two hundred and twenty one applications for family reunification were also finalised.
According to the report the top five countries from which applications were received were Nigeria, Romania, Moldova, Zimbabwe and Ukraine.
The Refugee Applications Commissioner, Ms Bernice O'Neill, said the report "reflected the considerable achievements by the office during 2001".
The Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner is responsible for considering applications for refugee status and for making recommendations to the Minister for Justice on the granting of refugee status.
It is also responsible for investigating and preparing reports to the Minister on applications from persons seeking permission for a family member to enter the State.
