Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
991. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications received under the Regularisation of Long-Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme; the number processed; and the expected completion date for applications received. [17442/23]
View answerThe Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants scheme opened on 31 January 2022 and closed on 31 July 2022. This once in a generation scheme was designed to give long-term undocumented persons, without a current permission to remain in the State, the opportunity to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship.
In total, 6,548 applications were submitted in respect of 8,311 people under the scheme. Of these 5,654 (86%) were Single Applications and 894 (14%) Family Applications. As of 11 April 2023, 76% of applications made to the scheme have been processed: 4,302 applications have been granted, 592 applications have been refused, and 93 applications have been withdrawn by the applicants for various reasons. These applications equate to 6,386 people of which 5,589 people were granted, 685 people refused and 112 people withdrew from the process.
It is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for when the outstanding applications will be finalised. My Department's Justice Plan 2023 (objective 119) gives an undertaking to complete first instance considerations and issue decisions in respect of all non-complex cases under the Regularisation Scheme for Long Term Undocumented Migrants by end Q1 2023. This objective has been met. The remainder of applications continue to be processed and processing times vary depending on the complexity of the application; whether it is a single or family application; the supporting documentation, and the vetting process with An Garda Síochána (AGS). Applications where there is an existing deportation order also require additional processing.
Processing times of appeals of decisions made under the scheme will also vary depending on the complexity of the case.
Each application received is assessed individually in accordance with the published criteria, available on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Undocumented-Policy-Scheme-January-2022.pdf.
