Colm Brophy

Regulations signed into effect by the minister of state for migration, Colm Brophy, will waive the €300 fee in order to remove a financial barrier to leaving an abusive relationship.

Under the immigration guidelines, anyone who experiences domestic abuse and whose permission to be in Ireland is linked to the perpetrator of that abuse can apply to the Immigration Service for a separate independent immigration permission.

There is no fee for applying for a separate and independent permission, which is intended to remove barriers for people to leave abusive relationships or unsafe family environments.

When a person applies for a residency permit, they are required to pay a registration fee. Exemptions from the registration fee are provided by law.

While some survivors and victims were already exempt under the previous regulations, they have now been amended to expressly include survivors and victims of domestic violence granted an independent permission.

Mr Brophy said: “We know people who are subject to domestic abuse are particularly vulnerable when they are dependent on their partner sponsoring their immigration permission. With this change, we are removing a financial barrier to them seeking help.

“I can assure people that reports of domestic abuse are handled with care and sensitively by officials and the Immigration Service take steps to protect victims who are still in abusive relationships who apply.

“Domestic violence should always be reported, and you do not have to remain in an abusive relationship to stay in Ireland.”

Jim O’Callaghan, the minister for justice, home affairs and migration, said: “No one should feel forced to remain in an abusive relationship because of immigration concerns.

“Sponsorship does not mean control. Where a sponsoring partner is abusive, survivors can come forward and report abuse to An Garda Síochána without any fear of losing their permission to stay.

“Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence remains one of the most serious challenges facing our society. The Government is unwavering in its commitment to a zero-tolerance approach when confronting this issue.”

Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, the CEO of Cuan, added: “I want to thank the minister and his department for their work on these changes to the immigration arrangements for survivors and victims of domestic abuse.

“The removal of registration fees is a practical step to supporting vulnerable people, ensuring they are not tied to their abusers.

“I want to encourage all victims to contact An Garda Síochána and their local domestic violence support service. Support will always be here for you.”