Undocumented Scheme - What do we know thus far?
Updated: Dec 12, 2021
Please note that for the most up-to-date information on this scheme, we recommend that you visit the Migrants Rights Centre Ireland here, the Irish Immigration website & the Immigration/Asylum press release webpage on the Department of Justice.
On Friday, 03 December 2021, Justice Minister Helen McEntee TD stated that the Government has approved a scheme to legalise thousands of undocumented migrants and their families living in Ireland.
The scheme will allow eligible applicants to live and reside in the State, as well as to establish or preserve their resident status. The scheme was developed in conjunction with important stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who deal directly with individuals and families facing vulnerable immigration-related circumstances, as well as inter-Departmental and operational partners.
Regularisation Scheme for long-term Undocumented people:
Commence in January 2022 (no precise start date is specified);
Run for six months, from Jan 2022 till June 2022.
Individuals must be undocumented, meaning they have not had a valid IRP card for four years or more, or three years or more if the application is submitted as a family unit;
The application process will be done online via this site;
You must be able to demonstrate and justify your presence in the state;
You may apply regardless of the cause for your previous refusal; this includes people who have received a deportation order, a notice under section 3, or who have made unsuccessful EU Treaty Rights applications (not applicable to those who have previously held EU stamp or awaiting a decision, learn more);
International Protection applicants awaiting for 2 years or more can apply;
This scheme is also available to students whose visas have been expired for four years or longer.
Documentation:
What documentation do I need to verify my identity?
You may submit a passport or birth certificate as proof of identity.
How can I prove my residency?
There are numerous documents that can be used to establish residency in the state as long as they include your full name and address in the state, such as:
- rental agreements/lease agreements,
- bank statements,
- any utility bills in your name,
- school/college exam results,
- letters from schools or colleges,
- letters from employers,
- employee summary statement;
- any other official documents, such as revenue or hospital/local GP letter;
- or, simple receipts for money transfers that require proof of address and identification in order to send and receive money.
Cost of this scheme?
It costs €700 for a family application and €550 for an individual application; please note that this does not include the additional cost of €300 for the IRP card, which you may apply for after your application is approved.
What happens when the application is approved?
You will get a Stamp 4 valid for two years, which can be renewed.
What if it is rejected?
You will have the right to appeal or request a judicial review; nevertheless, you should be aware that you may be referred to the expatriation unit if your application is denied; thus, please seek professional advice.
Which documents should be produced as proof for family members?
- Marriage Certificate,
- Civil Partnership Certificate,
- Children's Birth or Adoption Certificates.
Fundamental Duty of the State.
Article 41 Fundamental Rights:
1.1°: The State recognises the Family as the natural primary and fundamental unit group of Society, and as a moral institution possessing inalienable and imprescriptible rights, antecedent and superior to all positive law.
1.2°: The State, therefore, guarantees to protect the Family in its constitution and authority, as the necessary basis of social order and as indispensable to the welfare of the Nation and the State."
Organisations to reach out for help/advice?
- Contact the Immigrant Council of Ireland's Helpline on 01-674-0200
Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 10am-1pm to speak with one of their team members.
- Or, contact the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland’s Helpline Service is open from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Anything else?
- Include several images of your life in Ireland with friends and relatives that demonstrate your integration into the greater Irish community;
- Prepare a handwritten petition and collect at least 20 signatures from individuals you know directly, such as neighbours, friends, family, and coworkers;
- Please demonstrate your complete integration into the Irish community and your commitment to its democratic principles.
- A gap of up to 60 days is permitted.
Digital Tools for Success:
CombinePDF is free and easy to use online tool that allows combining multiple PDF or images files into a single PDF document without having to install any software;
CamScanner is a Chinese mobile app first released in 2011 that allows iOS and Android devices to be used as image scanners. It allows users to 'scan' documents and share the photo as either a JPEG or PDF. This app is available free of charge on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store;
Please keep in mind that file formats accepted by the online portal are .pdf, .jpeg & .png;
Please note that poor quality documentation will simply delay your application, hence presentation is very important.
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