Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
553. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the total number of refugees/asylum seekers/undocumented persons currently in this jurisdiction for more than ten years who have, for one reason or another, been refused long-term residency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34363/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy, that of the 15,629 international protection applications pending with the International Protection Office on 1st July 2023, only 290 of these are waiting over 24 months for a determination. The types of situations where cases are in the system for a number of years will only arise in the most exceptional of circumstances. These can include cases before the courts, or where an applicant disengages with the process for an extended period of time, or cannot be contacted. Typically, where an application remains in processing for a longer period this is due to reasons outside the control of my Department.
In January 2022 I launched a once-in-a-generation scheme designed to give long-term undocumented residents the opportunity to regularise their status, access the labour market legally and begin their path to citizenship.
In total, 6,548 applications were submitted by applicants through the online application database. Of these: 5,654 (86%) were Single Applications and 894 (14%) Family Applications. This represents a total of 8,311 people.
As of 3 July 2023, 4,617 applications have been granted, 1,002 applications have been refused and 118 applications have been withdrawn by the applicants for various reasons.
The International Protection strand of the Scheme attracted over 3,240 applications. By 29 June, 2023, some 1,596 applicants had been granted a permission under the Scheme while, during the lifetime of the Scheme, a further 1,102 Scheme applicants were granted an equivalent, or higher order of, immigration permission.
Insofar as arrangements for long term residency more generally are concerned, asylum seekers and undocumented persons in the State are not eligible under the relevant scheme, however, refugees/asylum seekers whose application international permission is successful are granted an immigration permission that permits them to remain in the State.
I would encourage any person who is resident in the State without permission to contact the Department or their local immigration office in order to take appropriate steps to regularise their own and their family's status. The Immigration Services of my Department examines each case of an undocumented or illegal person 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 position in the State.
A pragmatic approach is taken in relation to each case, which is considered on its individual merits. In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally.
