Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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454. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on the progress of the regularisation of the long-term undocumented migrant scheme. [45879/22]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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456. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications received under her Department’s scheme for the regularisation of the long-term undocumented migrants scheme; the current situation with respect to processing times for such applications; the number of applications processed to date; the number processed that have been successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45493/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 456 together.

The scheme for the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants opened for applications on 31 January 2022 and closed on the 31 July 2022. The scheme was only open to those who did not have a current permission to reside in the State and who met the eligibility criteria. The scheme will  enable successful applicants to remain and reside in the State and to regularise their residency status. 

My Department received a total of 6,548 applications in respect of 8,311 persons under the scheme. As of 19 September 2022, the number of decisions that have issued to applicants is:

The processing of all other applications remains ongoing.

Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the application, whether it is a single or family application, the supporting documentation, the vetting process with An Garda Síochána etc. Applications where there is an existing deportation order will require additional processing.

Full details regarding the qualifying criteria, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document and guidance for successful applicants remains available on my Department's website at: 

https://www.irishimmigration.ie/regularisation-of-long-term-undocumented-migrant-scheme/. 

The International Protection (IPO)  Strand of the Regularisation Scheme , which closed on the 07 August 2022,  has received 3063 applications. As of the 09 September 2022  804 positive decisions have issued and a further 732 applicants granted an equivalent permission by the IPO.

If a person remains resident in the State without an immigration permission I encourage them to contact Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) or their local immigration office and to take all the appropriate steps to regularise their status. 

Any application submitted should explain their current circumstances and future intentions in the State and provide any documentation they feel will support their application. In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally.