Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
393. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice how many successful applicants there are for the scheme for long-term undocumented migrants; the number of applicants in total; the number that were refused as they arrived later than the cut-off point; and if there are plans to assist those who missed the cut-off point by less than six months. [19004/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe General Scheme for the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants closed on 31 July 2022. This once in a generation scheme was designed to give long-term undocumented people without a current permission to remain in the State the chance to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship.
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11 April 2023, 4,302 applications have been granted, 592 applications have been refused, and 93 applications have been withdrawn by the applicants for various reasons.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.
My Department had significant engagement with the NGOs in this sector before and during the timeframe for applications and also widely advertised the scheme in advance of and during the 6 month window it was open. Additionally, a targeted media campaign was launched during the final weeks of the scheme.
Applicants to the scheme were required to submit their application online only and the online facility closed at midnight on the 31 July 2022 and consequently no late applications were received.
For those who did not qualify for the scheme or did not apply for the scheme, and who remain resident in the State without an immigration permission, I encourage them to contact the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department or their local immigration office and to 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. In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally.
The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) examines each application to remain in the State on a case-by-case basis and has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their immigration position in the State.
