Written answers

Thursday, 17 February 2022

Department of Justice and Equality

Immigration Policy

Photo of Paul MurphyPaul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

101. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will amend the regularisation of the long-term undocumented migrants scheme to ensure those who are unsuccessful in their application to the scheme will not suffer targeting and deportation as a result of their attempt to become documented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8732/22]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I was pleased to open the landmark Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme for applications on 31 January. Applications will be accepted for six months until 31 July, when the scheme will close. The scheme includes a parallel strand, which opened for applications on 7 February 2022, to implement the recommendation included in the report of the Expert Advisory Group, 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.

This once-in-a-generation scheme is designed to give long-term undocumented people without a current permission to remain in the State, the chance to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship. As the Deputy will be aware, it has been widely welcomed by those who have long campaigned for this right.

I am pleased to note that almost 2,200 applications have been received up to 16 February. This is a very positive start and I encourage anyone who may be eligible to apply.

My Department has designed the criteria and application form to be as simple and clear as possible. A suite of supporting materials including a useful Frequently Asked Questions document; guidance material for making an application either as a family or an individual; a demonstration video of the online application system; and a required documents guide have been published on my Department’s website and translated into a number of languages. Therefore, it is possible for people to be reasonably certain whether or not they will qualify for the scheme prior to making an application. My Department is engaging with embassies and NGOs with a view to informing as many eligible people as possible.

There is also an appeals process, in which unsuccessful applications will be reviewed by another officer. If a person does not wish to appeal, or if their appeal is also unsuccessful, they will be referred for further consideration of their case by my Department, in accordance with relevant domestic immigration law and the European Convention on Human Rights.

I would stress to the Deputy that, in assessing eligibility for both strands of the scheme, 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 but anyone who is the subject of serious concerns will not be eligible for regularisation in the interests of public safety.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department and the Garda National Immigration Bureau adopted a very humane approach to the enforcement of deportation orders during the pandemic. During this time, no orders were enforced except in cases where an individual would be considered a threat to national security or whose presence in Ireland would be contrary to the public interest.

However, with the lifting of public health restrictions and a return to more normal travel, it must be acknowledged that those who do not have a legal right to remain in this country, have a duty to return to their own country, following fair procedure and having gone through all available avenues for appeal. Many people already do this voluntarily and are assisted by my Department and other organisations, like the International Organization for Migration, where appropriate.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.