Dublin: A new immigration policy proposing significantly tighter controls on entry to Ireland will be brought before the Cabinet today by Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Jim O’Callaghan.
The proposed reforms signal stricter entry requirements and more limited opportunities for family reunification. According to the draft policy, greater scrutiny is expected in key areas such as income thresholds, minimum residence periods for eligibility, and sponsorship conditions for family reunification applicants.
Tighter Family Reunification Criteria
The government is considering raising the income requirements and strengthening the overall criteria for those seeking to bring family members to Ireland. Any increase in income thresholds could negatively impact General Employment Permit holders, including healthcare assistants, who form a significant portion of applicants.
In 2024, approximately 22,000 individuals arrived in Ireland through family reunification linked to general employment visa holders. Under the revised policy, this number is expected to decline. The government also anticipates a reduction in the number of international students entering the country.
Additionally, the number of students coming to Ireland to study English is expected to fall, with the strongest impact likely on applicants from Latin American countries, particularly Brazil.
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