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New post-Brexit Visa Scheme announced
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
22 Dec 2020New migration and asylum measures introduced in response to COVID-19
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
07 Dec 2020Generally favourable conditions for naturalisation in Ireland but processing challenges exist
New ESRI/European Migration Network research finds that Ireland has more favourable conditions for acquiring citizenship by naturalisation than many EU Member States. However, processing delays and lack of clarity on some eligibility conditions have been highlighted by NGOs and in parliamentary debate. There are three main “pathways” to Irish citizenship: at birth by descent, by birth on the island … Read More
24 Nov 2020European Commission presents Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion for 2021-2027
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
22 Oct 2020Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission designated Ireland’s National Rapporteur on Human Trafficking
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
22 Oct 2020Citizenship applicants to sign affidavit of loyalty under temporary COVID-19 measures
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
22 Oct 2020Revised arrangements for international protection applicants to access work
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
21 Oct 2020Report published on the Provision of Supports in the International Protection Process
The Report of the Advisory Group on the Provision of Support including Accommodation to Persons in the International Protection Process has been published. It recommends that Ireland moves away from a system that views international protection as a temporary phenomenon, and instead puts in place a permanent system that accepts the need to process around 3,500 new applications annually. The … Read More
12 Oct 2020Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response publishes final report
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
01 Oct 2020Government announces resettlement of refugee families from Greece
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
29 Sep 2020New report: ‘Supporting integration? International practices on civics and language requirements linked to naturalisation: policy implications for Ireland
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
23 Sep 2020European Commission presents proposals for new Pact on Migration and Asylum
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
15 Sep 2020Government announces postponement of 2021 Census
The Government has announced that the 2021 Census, a key source of information on migration in Ireland, will be postponed until April 2022. The announcement was made on 15th September, based on the advice of the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The CSO stressed the need to ensure the safety of the general public and CSO field staff, while delivering a … Read More
25 Aug 2020Returning Irish drive net inward migration for Ireland of 28,900 in year to April 2020
The 2020 Population and Migration Estimates released by the Central Statistics Office show that the number of immigrants decreased by 3.6 per cent year-on-year, from 88,600 in 2019 to 85,400 in 2020. The number of emigrants increased (by 2.9 per cent) from 54,900 to 56,500 in the year April to 2020. These combined changes have resulted in a positive net inward migration of … Read More
11 Aug 2020Launch of National Integration Fund 2020 for promoting integration of migrants into Irish society
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
10 Aug 2020Changes made to student support scheme for asylum-seekers
Changes have been announced to the student support scheme for asylum-seekers. Prospective applicants are no longer required to have attended three academic years in the Irish school system and to have obtained the Leaving Certificate. This development comes after a review indicated that such requirements were too restrictive. Prospective applicants will still have to have been in the protection or … Read More
09 Jul 2020New online registration renewal system expanded to include all Dublin-based non-nationals
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
22 Jun 2020New online registration renewal system for non-EEA students in Dublin announced
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
19 Jun 2020Eight young people from Greek refugee camp arrive in Dublin
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
09 Jun 2020Expert Group on Direct Provision identifies measures to improve conditions for asylum seekers
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
18 May 2020Upcoming webinar- National statuses for migrants in need of protection: Ireland and the EU
An EMN Ireland/ESRI webinar Hosted by EMN Ireland, located within the ESRI, this webinar will present the findings of a new EU-wide, European Migration Network (EMN) study on national statuses for people in need of protection. The study finds that 20 Member States plus Norway have at least one national protection status in place, in addition to refugee and subsidiary … Read More
28 Apr 2020EU issued nearly 300,000 positive decisions to asylum seekers in 2019
Latest Eurostat figures show that EU Member States granted 295,800 positive decisions on protection applications in 2019, a decline of 6 per cent on 2018 figures. Of the nearly 300,000 positive decisions, 141,100 related to refugee status, 82,100 to subsidiary protection, and 72,700 to humanitarian protection. Syrians were the largest group of beneficiaries, accounting for 27% of the total number of protection statuses granted by EU Member States in 2019. Afghans were the next largest … Read More
23 Apr 2020Ombudsman publishes annual commentary on direct provision for 2019
On 23rd April, the Ombudsman published his annual commentary on the direct provision system covering the calendar year of 2019. The Ombudsman noted that COVID-19, and in particular its highly contagious nature, highlights the unsuitability and unsustainability of placing three or more people in one room, as is the case in many direct provision accommodation centres. The Ombudsman also noted … Read More
16 Apr 2020EU adopts guidance on asylum, return and resettlement provisions in context of COVID-19
On 16th April, the EU Commission adopted a guidance for Member States on the implementation of relevant EU provisions in the area of asylum, return procedures and on resettlement in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. Prepared in collaboration with the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), the guidance was compiled in … Read More
29 Jan 2020Ireland was one of the first in the EU to target migrant entrepreneurs, but the number of applicants is low
New EMN Ireland research: Migratory pathways to Ireland for start-ups and innovative entrepreneurs
14 Jan 2020Recent policy developments in the area of migration and asylum in Ireland
Developments in November and December 2019
09 Jan 2020Ireland has increased pathways to protection for vulnerable migrants in recent years, but disparities in supports remain
New EMN Ireland report: National statuses granted for protection reasons in Ireland