Today, Minister McEntee announces a new landmark scheme to regularise long-term undocumented migrants. The scheme will open online for applications in January with applications accepted during the 6-month window. Successful applicants will receive immigration permission, access to the labour market and can begin the path to citizenship.
Who can apply:
Applicants must have a period of 4 years undocumented residence in the State or 3 years in the case of those with children
Those with an existing Deportation Order can apply if they meet the minimum undocumented residence requirement.
People with expired student permissions will also be able to apply.
Asylum seekers who have spent at least two years awaiting a decision.
Requirements:
Applicants must meet standards regarding good character and criminal records, and be deemed to not pose a threat to the State.
Migrants with convictions for minor offences will not be disqualified solely for this reason.
Cost
Individual applicants cost €550.
Family applications for the scheme, which includes children up to the age of 23, will cost €700
Asylum seekers who have spent at least two years awaiting a decision can also apply for regularisation and will be exempt from paying an application and registration fee.
Minister of State for law reform James Browne said people who were undocumented were vulnerable to being exploited at work, with women trafficked into the country “afraid to come forward” because of a lack of immigration status. “This scheme will allow those who are undocumented to come out of the shadows of our society,” he said.
The full announcement can be read here.
Future Direct specialises in Irish immigration procedures. We welcome this momentous
scheme and believe it will benefit the thousands of undocumented migrants living in Ireland today.
Should you require us to make the application on your behalf or have any questions, feel free to call us today at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie. We are happy to arrange a confidential consultation with you.