On 23rd December 2020, the Department of Justice announced the introduction of a new preclearance/visa scheme for non-EEA family members of UK nationals seeking to move to Ireland after 31st December 2020 (the end of the Transition Period under the Withdrawal Agreement). From 1st January 2021, eligible non-EEA citizens can apply for permission to live in the State and, if … Read More

Recent developments  Department of Justice and Equality FAQ Document On 22nd December, the Immigration Service Delivery updated its FAQ document on the ‘Impact of Covid-19 on Immigration and International Protection’ explaining the most recent updates to asylum and migration services in Ireland. Immigration registration and permissions The Department of Justice announced on 22nd December that immigration permissions due to expire … Read More

The European Commission presented on 24 November the Action plan on Integration and Inclusion for the period of 2021-2027. As emphasised by the Commission in the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, successful integration and inclusion is an essential part of a well-managed and effective migration and asylum policy. Recognising the important contribution of migrants to the EU, the new … Read More

The Department of Justice and Equality announced on October 22 the designation of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) as Ireland’s independent National Rapporteur on human trafficking. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission takes on this role, which will include carrying out of assessments of trends in trafficking in human beings, the measuring of results of anti-trafficking … Read More

Citizenship ceremonies will be temporarily replaced during the COVID-19 pandemic with a requirement for citizenship applicants to instead sign an affidavit declaring loyalty to the State, the Government has announced. Following the return of a fully completed declaration, applicants will receive a certificate of naturalisation from the Department of Justice. In line with the move towards providing an online citizenship … Read More

The Government has approved revised arrangements for international protection applicants to access work, including the reduction in the waiting period from 9 months to 6 months from the date of first application for international protection. The changes were announced with the publication of the Report of the Advisory Group on the Provision of Support including Accommodation to Persons in the … Read More

The Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response has published its final report. In the report, the Committee outlines a number of key recommendations, including that the State should both make provision for a statutory sick pay scheme to cater for low paid workers such as those in nursing homes and meat plants, and that the State should phase out support … Read More

The Department for Justice and Equality has announced that Ireland will welcome refugee families from Greece following their displacement from the Moria camp on the island of Lesbos due to the recent fire that destroyed the camp. Up to fifty people in family groups will be brought to Ireland and resettled under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. Upon their arrival … Read More

A new Economic Social Research Institute and Department of Justice and Equality report, ‘Supporting Integration: International practices on civics and language requirements linked to naturalisation: policy implications for Ireland’ , aims to contribute to Ireland’s Migrant Integration Strategy 2017-2020 by investigating requirements linked to naturalisation in Europe. Several European states have introduced language and knowledge of society (civics) requirements related … Read More

The European Commission presented proposals for the new Pact on Migration and Asylum on 23rd September, stating its aim to improve the overall system and to rebuild trust between Member States and confidence in the capacity of the EU to manage migration. The first pillar of the Commission’s proposed Pact consists of more efficient and faster procedures. In particular, the … Read More

The National Integration Fund 2020 for the promotion of the integration of migrants into Irish society has been launched. A sum of €749,600 per year over a maximum period of three years will be available for projects that help migrants integrate into Irish society. A total sum of €2.2 million may be committed over the three-year period. The fund will … Read More

The Department of Justice and Equality announced on 7th July the expansion of the newly introduced online Registration Renewal System to include all Dublin-based non-nationals who are seeking to renew their registration in the state. On 22nd June the Department announced the launch of the online Registration Renewal system available for use by all categories of non-national students residing in … Read More

The Department of Justice and Equality announced on Monday 22nd June a new online registration renewal system for Dublin-based non-EEA students. Non-EEA, Dublin based students seeking to renew their immigration permission will now be able to complete the application form online, upload copies of supporting documents, pay the applicable fee and submit their passport and current Immigration Residence Permission (IRP) … Read More

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, welcomed on Wednesday 17th June the arrival in Dublin of eight young people from a refugee camp in Greece. Separated from their families, the eight young people are coming to Ireland under the International Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP), managed by the Department of Justice and Equality. Upon arrival, the young people … Read More

The Department of Justice and Equality released on Friday details about a Briefing Note on the progress of the Expert Group on Direct Provision, prepared by the chair Dr Catherine Day (former Secretary General of the European Commission). The recommended measures include an extension of the right to work, an exploration of alternative housing models and funding provisions, clearer guidance … Read More