DUBLIN: A scheme to regularise the status of undocumented immigrants in Ireland is expected to take effect before the end of the year. The government’s move is intended to eliminate the risk of undocumented workers being exploited due to their vulnerable status.
The scheme, which is likely to be presented to Cabinet for approval in September, applies to undocumented migrants who have been in Ireland for at least four years, or three years if they have children.
The regularisation scheme is expected to launch in November or the first week of December.
On Friday, James Browne, Minister of State with responsibility for law reform, provided a brief overview of the current features of the draft plan to refugee and immigration organisations.
Mr Browne said that applicants will not be required to seek complicated legal advice in order to identify their eligibility for the scheme, and that the government intends to keep the process as easy and simple as possible.
Minister said that majority of undocumented migrants are working in Ireland and are not returning home. They are more likely to be exploited as a result of their vulnerable status, Mr Browne added.
The minister said the proposed scheme would give migrants unrestricted access to the labour market. It will also enable them to apply for Irish citizenship in the future.
Meanwhile undocumented migrants who are subject to deportation orders due to criminal offences are unlikely to be included in the scheme. However, officials from the Department of Justice are currently examining it, and a decision has yet to be made in this respect.
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