Earlier this year my Government colleague Minister McEntee opened a scheme allowing long term undocumented migrants in Ireland to regularise their situation, obtain residence permission (Stamp 4) and start the journey towards Citizenship. I fully appreciate how important this is for people who are undocumented, for the communities they reside in and for the children who know no other home.
With this in mind, I was delighted to hear that the first successful applications were processed within a few weeks. The closing date for application to this scheme is 31st July. I really hope that every eligible undocumented person or family will apply.
The Regularisation Scheme has an International Protection Strand for those who have an outstanding application for international protection and have been in the asylum process for a minimum of 2 years.
There is no fee for making an application under this dedicated strand of the scheme. Applications for this separate international protection strand will be accepted until 7 August 2022, when the strand will close.
Laois Partnership and Fáilte Isteach volunteers alerted my office to the need to support those in Direct Provision Centres with their applications. Through my Parliamentary Assistant, Rosie Palmer who is also Green Party Local Area Rep for Portlaoise, I was very happy to assist.
Rosie organised training and between Laois Partnership, herself and Fáilte Isteach more than 30 people have been supported in completing their application.
I wish all eligible applicants a successful outcome and full and meaningful lives in Ireland.