Immigration

The High Court has quashed a decision of the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment refusing a work permit to a Korean tattoo artist on the basis of the UK Standard Occupational Classification system. Delivering judgment for the High Court, Mr Justice Barry O’Donnell stated: “The o

Nearly two-thirds of people agree that Ireland should welcome people who move here to make a better life for themselves or their families, according to a survey. The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) commissioned Ireland Thinks to carry out the independent poll on migration-related issues in July

Significant reforms to the employment permit system will come into force from Monday. Regulations have been signed to give effect to the Employment Permits Act 2024, which is intended to consolidate and modernise employment permits law and bring benefits for employers and permit holders alike.

A two-thirds increase in fines imposed on airlines who fail to ensure that passengers have appropriate travel documentation has taken effect. The maximum fine has increased to €5,000 from the previous maximum of €3,000 following the commencement of relevant provisions in the Courts, Civil

Ireland has joined the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) as its 21st member state.

The European Commission has formally confirmed Ireland's participation in the controversial EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. Ireland is opting-in to seven legal acts under the Pact: the Reception Conditions Directive, Qualification Regulation, Asylum Procedure Regulation, Union Resettlement Framewor

South Africa and Botswana are to be added to the list of countries whose nationals must obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. The change, which brings Irish visa requirements in line with the UK and the Schengen area, will come into effect from Wednesday 10 July but transitional arrangements w

The Irish Immigration Lawyers' Association (IILA) welcomed over 80 delegates to its annual Cork conference last week. After a welcome from chairperson Thomas Coughlan, the first session heard from Michael McGrath SC on "Advocacy at the International Protection Appeals Tribunal", followed by Shannon

The Oireachtas will later continue a tense debate on the government's proposal to fully opt-in to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. Taoiseach Simon Harris yesterday told TDs that the pact "is a united effort from Europe, after excruciating work and negotiation over a long period, to ensure we have f

Non-EU nationals in Cork and Limerick will from next month no longer have to go to a Garda station for their immigration residence permission registrations or renewals. From 8 July 2024, the registration office of the immigration service delivery (ISD) of the Department of Justice will have responsi

The increased need for pro bono legal support for unaccompanied migrant children has been highlighted as part of Pro Bono Week Ireland. The annual initiative bringing together legal professionals to advance justice equality in Ireland took place this week with a series of events to discuss unmet leg

Fines imposed on airlines who fail to ensure that passengers have appropriate travel documentation will be hiked by two-thirds as part of an immigration crackdown. The carrier liability provisions of the Immigration Act 2003 will be reformed to increase the fines on carriers from the current maximum

The UK government has announced the expansion of its controversial Rwanda scheme to include failed asylum seekers. Those with no right to be in the UK, who have had an earlier protection or human rights claim refused or withdrawn and are unable to appeal their decision, can now expect to be removed

A single permit to both work and live in Ireland will be introduced over the next three years, the government has announced. An inter-departmental working group established in December 2022 has concluded that it is feasible to begin implementation of the single permit and to ultimately opt-in to the

The UK government's controversial Rwanda scheme is in question after a court ruled that legislation providing for the deportation of asylum seekers cannot be enforced in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland's High Court yesterday ruled that certain provisions of the Illegal Migration Act 2023 constitu