'Once-in-a-generation' citizenship route for thousands of undocumented immigrants in Ireland

A Government scheme will give an estimated 17,000 undocumented migrants an opportunity to remain in Ireland.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee is expected to announce details of a scheme later today which will look to regularise long-term undocumented migrants and their children, which will allow them to stay and live in Ireland.

The Department of Justice said studies have shown that there may be up to 17,000 undocumented migrants, including 3,000 children, currently living in the State.

People who are eligible under the scheme will:

Ø  Have a period of 4 years residence in the State without an immigration permission, or 3 years in the case of those with children on the date the Scheme opens for applications;

Ø  Be granted an immigration permission that allows for unrestricted access to the labour market; and

Ø  Have years of residence with that permission reckonable for the purposes of pursuing citizenship by way of naturalisation.

Ø  Those with an existing Deportation Order can apply, if they meet the minimum undocumented residence requirement.

Ø  Applicants must meet standards regarding good character and criminal record/behaviour and not pose a threat to the State.

Ø  Having convictions for minor offences will not, of itself, result in disqualification.

People with expired student permissions will also be able to apply.

A fee of €700 will generally apply to family unit applications to assist in recovering the cost of administration. Children up to 23 years, living with their parent(s), can be included in a family unit application. A fee of €550 will apply to individuals’ applications. The International Protection specific scheme strand would be fee exempt at both application stage and at registration.

The time-limited scheme will open for online applications in January 2022 and applications will be accepted for 6 months.

Huge congratulations to all at @MigrantRightsIr, @edelmcginley, Justice for the Undocumented activists and all undocumented people living in Ireland.

A long and dedicated campaign that never waived in achieving its goals.

This day is yours. https://t.co/uHpDPMkeIn

— Irish Refugee Council (@IrishRefugeeCo) December 3, 2021

Applicants must have a period of four years undocumented residence in the State, or three years in the case of those with children.

Those who are successful will receive immigration permission, access to the labour market and can begin a path to citizenship, Minister McEntee said. 

“I’m delighted that the Government has approved my proposal for this momentous, once-in-a-generation scheme," said .

“Given that those who will benefit from this scheme currently live in the shadows, it is difficult to say how many will be eligible, but we are opening this scheme for six months from January to allow people come forward and regularise their status.

“It will bring some much-needed certainty and peace of mind to thousands of people who are already living here and making a valuable contribution to our society and the economy, many of whom may be very vulnerable due to their current immigration circumstances.”

“As a result, they may be reluctant to seek medical assistance when ill, assistance from An Garda Síochána when they are the victim of a crime, or a range of other supports designed to assist vulnerable people in their times of need.”

“I believe that in opening this scheme, we are demonstrating the same goodwill and generosity of spirit that we ask is shown to the countless Irish people who left this island to build their lives elsewhere.”

Outlining the rationale for this approach, Minister McEntee said:

“I am conscious of the recommendation made by the Expert Advisory Group, led by Dr Catherine Day, regarding people who have been in the protection process for two years or more.

“In regularising those who are long-term undocumented in the State, the Government is keen to also ensure that we address any legacy asylum cases so that the new system envisaged under the White Paper can come into operation in 2024

“I am committed to reducing processing times of both first instance decisions and appeals to 6 months respectively, which will ultimately benefit everyone in the protection process,” she said.