Ireland’s New Immigration Bill Draws Criticism as One of Europe’s Toughest

Dublin: Activists and legal experts have warned that Ireland’s proposed International Protection Bill could make the country one of the most restrictive and punitive regimes in Europe for people fleeing war and persecution.

The bill, published on Thursday, will transpose the EU’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum into Irish law. However, the Coalition on the EU Migration Pact—representing a range of civil society organisations—has raised serious concerns about its impact on access to justice and refugee rights.

Judicial Reviews to Move from High Court

One of the most controversial changes would transfer immigration-related judicial reviews from the High Court to the Circuit Court. Critics say this would be unprecedented in Ireland and argue that immigration cases are highly complex, involving EU law, constitutional law and international human rights standards.

Immigration lawyer Cathal Malone said the change could severely restrict access to justice, warning that rights become “meaningless” if decisions cannot be effectively challenged in court.

Tighter Family Reunification Rules

The bill also proposes stricter family reunification rules for refugees. Under the new system, refugees would have to wait three years before applying to bring family members—including spouses and children—to Ireland. Additional financial requirements would also apply.

Critics point out that refugees are often unable to work for their first six months in the country and face difficulties having overseas qualifications recognised, making it extremely hard to meet income thresholds. As a result, families could be separated for four years or more.

Advocates say the impact could be devastating, particularly for refugees from conflict zones such as Afghanistan, where family members left behind may face grave danger.

Human Rights Concerns

Fiona Hurley of the Nasc Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre described the proposed changes as “regressive and extremely cruel,” warning that delays in family reunification place families at heightened risk.

John Lannon, CEO of Doras, also expressed alarm over elements of the legislation that could allow for the detention of children. “Children should not be detained under any circumstances. It is a violation of fundamental human rights and risks damaging Ireland’s international reputation,” he said.

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