Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2022
562. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she intends to reopen the regularisation of long-term undocumented migrants' scheme in the future; and, if not, if she intends to introduce a permanent legal framework to regularise the status of children and families in irregular migration situations. [57945/22]
View answerThe scheme for the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants closed on 31 July 2022 and the online application process for the scheme has now closed and no further applications will be accepted.
This was a once in a generation scheme, designed to give long-term undocumented people without a current immigration permission to remain in the State, the chance to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship.
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.
Where a person remains resident in the State without an immigration permission I encourage them to contact the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) area of my Department or their local immigration office and to take all the 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) area 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.
