Press release
Minister McEntee announces new landmark scheme to regularise long-term undocumented migrants
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, has today announced that the government has approved a scheme to regularise thousands of undocumented migrants and their families who are living in Ireland.
The scheme, which is a key part of Minister McEntee’s Justice Plan 2021, will be for long-term undocumented migrants and their eligible dependents, where the specific criteria is met.
It will enable eligible applicants to remain and reside in the State and to regularise their residency status.
There is no reliable data on the number of undocumented persons in the State but studies suggest there could be up to 17,000 undocumented persons including up to 3,000 children and that many could be in employment, although likely low paid employment.
Announcing the scheme, Minister McEntee said:
“I’m delighted that the government has approved my proposal for this momentous, once-in-a-generation scheme. 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.”
The Minister added:
“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.”
People who are eligible under the scheme will:
Those with an existing Deportation Order can apply, if they meet the minimum undocumented residence requirement.
Applicants must meet standards regarding good character and criminal record/behaviour and not pose a threat to the State.
Having convictions for minor offences will not, of itself, result in disqualification.
People with expired student permissions will also be able to apply.
Minister McEntee added:
“We know that regularisation programmes can yield import social benefits and improvements in economic living conditions and a reduction in the potential for exploitation in employment.
“There are also economic benefits, both for the beneficiaries who are granted access to the labour market and who can benefit from a wider range of job opportunities, and for the State in terms of increased tax yields and social security contributions.”
The scheme will include a parallel process to implement the recommendation included in the report of the Expert Advisory Group, led by Dr Catherine Day, by allowing international protection applicants who have an outstanding application for international protection and have been in the asylum process for a minimum of 2 years to apply.
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.”
The scheme was developed following a consultation process with key stakeholders including NGOs that work directly with people and families who are in vulnerable immigration-related circumstances, as well as inter-Departmental and operational stakeholders.
The time-limited scheme will open for online applications in January 2022 and applications will be accepted for 6 months.
1. Ming – Chinese National
Ming entered the State legally on an employment permit as a chef in June 2014, and registered his permission till June 2015.
His employer refused to renew his employment permit, and he became illegal in the State.
Ming has been working for this employer for the last 6 years and has been paid less than minimum wage, while working more than 40 hours a week.
Ming is sharing a bedroom in a house with several other people, as he cannot afford proper accommodation.
Ming’s father passed away three years ago and he was unable to return to China to attend the funeral, as he was undocumented in Ireland.
Ming subsequently came to the attention of immigration authorities and was issued with a Deportation Order, which is still in effect.
Ming has provided sufficient proofs of residence in the State for the past 4 years in the form of phone bills/bank statements/doctors’ appointments.
Ming has never come to the adverse attention of An Garda Síochána.
Ming will meet all of the criteria for the scheme and will be granted a permission.
2. Rosita and Eric – Filipino nationals
Rosita and her 19 year old son Eric, have been residing illegally in the State for the past 15 years.
Rosita is working as a care assistant in a nursing home for elderly persons in Co Kildare and is being paid less than minimum wage.
Rosita and Eric have been residing/renting the same property and have provided evidence of same.
Eric has completed his primary and secondary education in the State. Eric obtained enough points in his leaving certificate to apply for a Degree in IT at UCD, but due to his undocumented status, he was unable to accept the university place.
Eric is now working for minimum wage in a local takeaway.
Neither Rosita nor Eric have come to the adverse attention of An Garda Síochána.
Rosita and Eric will both be granted permission under this scheme, as they both meet the residency criteria of having lived here for four years, and they are of good character.
3. Maria and Ricardo – Brazilian Nationals
Maria arrived into the State on a student visa in 2015 and completed one 8 month English language course.
Maria became pregnant and was unable to continue her studies in the State.
Ricardo was born in the State in June 2016, and is now attending primary school in Dublin.
Maria is a single parent and is working several part time cleaning jobs, on minimum wage to support herself and Ricardo.
Maria and Ricardo provided evidence of residing in the State for the last six years.
Maria has never come to the adverse attention of the An Garda Síochána.
Maria and Ricardo will meet all of the criteria for the scheme and will be granted a permission.