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Immigration Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022

Tuesday, 5 July 2022

Questions (29)

Gino Kenny

Question:

29. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice 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 get documented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35958/22]

View answer

Written answers

My Department opened the once-in-a generation scheme for the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants in the State on 31 January 2022 for a six month period.

The criteria for the scheme, including the period of four years undocumented residence at the date of the opening of the scheme for primary applicants, have been designed in line with the Programme for Government commitment.

The scheme was finalised, following detailed engagement with relevant stakeholders representing the people affected, to give long-term undocumented people without a current immigration permission the chance to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship.

Anyone who receives a refusal of their application will be able to appeal that decision. If their appeal is also unsuccessful, or if they do not appeal, and they do not have another open application with my Department, other immigration options can be explored.

However, anyone in the State without permission who needs to regularise their residency, but does not meet the terms of the published Scheme or who may have had another application refused, should contact my Department or their local immigration office and take all 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.

A full consideration of all aspects of their case will be carried out before a decision is made to grant permission to remain in the State or to make a Deportation Order. This will include a consideration of their private and family life rights, in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights.

In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally. A pragmatic approach is taken in relation to each case, which is considered on its individual merits.

I encourage everyone eligible for the scheme, who has not yet made an application, to do so before the closing date at the end of July.

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