Vol. 571 No. 4
471 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person residing in a rural area has to apply for an annual residency order compared to a person in Dublin who has to apply only every five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21834/03]
Subject to certain limited exceptions, every non-European economic area national who is resident in the State for more than three months is required to register with the Garda Siochána in accordance with the Aliens Orders, 1946. Upon registration they may be given permission to remain in the State. The period of time for which such permission is granted depends, not on their location in the State, but on their legal status in the State. For example, visitors may be given permission to remain for a number of months for the duration of their visit whereas the holder of a work authorisation may be granted permission for a period of two years. Upon the expiry of the permission to remain the persons concerned must return to the Garda Síochána to seek a renewal of the permission.
