Minister Charlie Fanagan with one of Ireland’s newest citizens, Ashly Sajithkumar (India), in September
The Irish Government is to open a three-month window for certain immigrants to apply for permission to stay in Ireland.
The decision comes after two separate Supreme Court cases which raised concerns about undocumented people living in Ireland.
According to RTE News, to qualify for the scheme, non-European Economic Area nationals must have held once held valid student permission from January 2005 to December 2010. The scheme is directed at individuals who have not obtained an alternative solution since their student permission ceased.
Correspondent Ingrid Miley reports that between now and January 2019, applicants (whom the Supreme Court refer to as "settled migrants") can apply for the new scheme.
If this scheme is successful, it will be life-changing for so many individuals and families across Ireland. This is huge. #undocIRL https://t.co/WtXBMRpU5C
— Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (@MigrantRightsIr) October 15, 2018
The scheme will be life-changing for those considered undocumented after losing previous permission to remain in Ireland. Those successful in their application will be granted a "4S" stamp permitting them to live and work in the State for two years.
While successful applicants will not be entitled to bring family members to join them, the Department of Justice may take certain family circumstances "into consideration".