New scheme to regularise long-term undocumented migrants

Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced today that the Government has approved a scheme to regularise thousands of undocumented migrants and their families who are living in Ireland.

The scheme, which is a key part of Minister McEntee’s Justice Plan 2021, will be for long-term undocumented migrants and their eligible dependents, where the specific criteria is met.

It will enable eligible applicants to remain and reside in the State and to regularise their residency status.

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.

Announcing the scheme, Minister McEntee said: “I’m delighted that the Government has approved my proposal for this momentous, once-in-a-generation scheme.

“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 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.”

“I believe that in opening this scheme, we are demonstrating the same goodwill and generosity of spirit that we ask is shown to the countless Irish people who left this island to build their lives elsewhere.”

The time-limited scheme will open for online applications in January 2022 and applications will be accepted for 6 months.