Thousands of undocumented migrants living in Ireland are set to be given immigration permission, access to the labour market and can begin path to citizenship.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has announced a landmark scheme which will be open to those who don’t have a current permission to reside in Ireland.
Applicants must have a period of four years undocumented residence in the country or three years in the case of those with children among a number of criteria.
They must meet standards regarding good character and criminal record/behaviour and not pose a threat to the State.
Having convictions for minor offences will not, of itself, result in disqualification.
Minister McEntee said: “Given that those who will benefit from this scheme currently live in the shadows, it is difficult to say how many will be eligible, but we are opening this scheme for six months from January to allow people to come forward and regularise their status.
“It will bring some much-needed certainty and peace of mind to thousands of people who are already living here and making a valuable contribution to our society and the economy, many of whom may be very vulnerable due to their current immigration circumstances.
“As a result, they may be reluctant to seek medical assistance when ill, assistance from An Garda Síochána when they are the victim of a crime, or a range of other supports designed to assist vulnerable people in their times of need.”
There is no reliable data on the number of undocumented persons in the State but studies suggest there could be up to 17,000 undocumented persons including up to 3,000 children and that many could be in employment, although likely low paid employment.
