Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2021
337. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied) arising under proposals to regularise undocumented migrants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35431/21]
View answer351. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice if the circumstances of undocumented persons (detail supplied) is intended to be covered by the provisions of the new regularisation scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35597/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 351 together.
Proposals for the draft scheme to regularise undocumented migrants are being developed in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to bring forward a regularisation scheme within 18 months of the formation of the Government, to create new pathways for long-term undocumented people and their dependents. Applicants will need to meet specific criteria and these will be formed with a clear consideration of Ireland's European Union (EU) and Common Travel Area (CTA) commitments.
Our consultation process on the proposed scheme has provided an opportunity for stakeholders to express their views on the proposed approach to the scheme. My Department continues to work to finalise the details, including eligibility considerations and qualifying criteria, and to manage the practical aspects to enable applications to be made. The specific qualifying criteria will be guided by, among other things, the learning from previous regularisation schemes, such as the 2018 Student Scheme, and schemes operated by other EU Member States.
As outlined in the Justice Plan 2021, the scheme will be opened to applications before the end of year.
