Immigration

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 Those with no right to be in the UK, who have had an earlier protection or human rights claim refused or withdrawn and are unable to appeal their decision, can now expect to be removed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

Northern Ireland’s High Court has determined that certain provisions of the Illegal Migration Act 2023 constitute a diminution of rights and are incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. Delivering judgment for the High Court, Mr Justice Michael Humphreys determined that, &ldq

Legislation paving the way for the UK to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda has been approved by Westminster in what human rights campaigners have called a "national disgrace". Michael O'Flaherty, the new European commissioner for human rights, is among those leading criticism today after the Safety of

The Irish government has welcomed the EU's approval of major reforms to European migration and asylum policy, despite fierce criticism from human rights campaigners. In a series of votes passed by varying margins, the European Parliament yesterday adopted 10 legislative texts which collectively impl

The Irish government has said it will seek to opt-in to measures in the EU Asylum and Migration Pact. The decision will lead to the full repeal of the International Protection Act 2015 and the introduction of a new asylum regime with legally binding timeframes for decisions as well as a greater focu

The High Court has determined that it was reasonable for applicants to issue proceedings seeking leave for judicial review where the minister for justice had indicated her intention to deport the infant applicant. Delivering judgment for the High Court, Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger stated that the a

Controversial UK legislation providing for the permanent deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda may not now be enacted before Easter. MPs yesterday voted to undo 10 amendments to the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill which were made in the House of Lords earlier this month.