Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

Migrant workers make an enormous contribution to the Irish economy and society. It is a central priority for me, as Minister for State with responsibility for migration, that our immigrations laws are fair and efficient. An important part of this is having clear legal pathways for workers and their families.

My Department’s policy document for Non-EEA family reunification, which was last amended in 2016, is still under review. The policy document sets out the conditions for a sponsor to apply for a family member to be reunited with them in Ireland. In general terms, a sponsor must demonstrate their capacity to provide for their family member.

The review is examining a wide range of matters relating to applications for family reunification. Officials from my Department have consulted with a wide variety of stakeholders including relevant Departments and external organisations. While I cannot pre-empt the outcome, I can advise the Deputy it is my expectation that the next stage of the review will be brought to a conclusion soon. My officials will continue to engage with stakeholders regarding any amendments to the policy.

While I fully understand that some people moving to Ireland to live and work would wish to have their family join them, the issues to be examined as part of a family reunification application are complex. The primary focus is to ensure that a sponsor in a secure position and able to demonstrate a clear capacity to provide for family members before applications for family to join them here can be approved.

I can also advise that the first part of the review was implemented with effect from 15 May 2024. Eligible spouses and partners of people who hold general employment permits and intra-corporate transferee Irish employment permits, who have been granted family reunification, are now registered on a stamp 1G permission, rather than a stamp 3. This allows the holder to take up employment without the need to obtain a separate employment permit of their own.

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