Immigration hits 17-year high in Ireland; Emigration at highest level since 2015: CSO data

Immigration hits 17-year high in Ireland; Emigration at highest level since 2015: CSO data

Immigration to Ireland has reached a 17-year high, while emigration from the country also hit its highest level since 2015, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The data revealed that Ireland’s population rose by 98,700 in the year leading up to April 2024, bringing the total population to 5.38 million. This … Read more

Government spends €22,000 replacing tents destroyed in Dublin clean-up ahead of St. Patrick’s day

Government spends €22,000 replacing tents destroyed in Dublin clean-up ahead of St. Patrick’s day

The Department of Integration had to spend €22,000 on new tents and sleeping bags for asylum seekers after their makeshift shelters were destroyed during a clean-up operation in Dublin on March 16, just before St. Patrick’s Day. According to Irish mirror, the operation targeted an encampment on Mount Street Lower, where around 200 male refugees … Read more

Record Surge in Indian Visa Applications to Ireland in 2024

Record Surge in Indian Visa Applications to Ireland in 2024

Dublin: Ireland is witnessing a significant rise in visa applications from India, with nearly 200,000 Indians applying in the first four months of this year. Data from the Justice Minister reveals India leads in visitor, student, and work visas. Around 40,000 Indians have sought employment in Ireland, making up 48% of all employment visa applications … Read more

Ireland opts into controversial EU Migration Pact, stricter immigration measures to be in place

Ireland opts into controversial EU Migration Pact, stricter immigration measures to be in place

The Dail (Irish Parliament) has voted to opt into the controversial EU Migration and Asylum Pact, paving the way for a standardised immigration control system, including stricter border security checks, across the 27 member states. The pact, narrowly passed by a thin margin of 79 votes to 72, will come into effect in two years. … Read more

Cork, Limerick residents can now renew immigration permissions online starting July 8

Cork, Limerick residents can now renew immigration permissions online starting July 8

In a bid to modernise immigration process and free up Gardai for enforcement work, the Irish government has announced the transfer of immigration administrative functions in Cork and Limerick to the Department of Justice with effect from July 8. Starting next month, first time registrations for individuals residing in Cork and Limerick will be registered … Read more

New Single Permit System for Work and Residence

New Single Permit System for Work and Residence to Be Introduced in Ireland

In a move to streamline the process for individuals seeking to work and live in Ireland, the government has announced plans to implement a single permit system over the next three years. This system will allow both employment and residence permits to be obtained through a single application. Currently, Ireland, along with Denmark, is one … Read more

Spouses of Work Permit Holders in Ireland

New Employment Opportunities for Spouses of Work Permit Holders in Ireland

The Irish government has announced significant changes to immigration permissions for eligible spouses and partners of certain work permit holders in the country. Effective immediately, those who qualify will now be granted a Stamp 1G permission, allowing them to seek employment without the need for a separate work permit. Under the updated policy, spouses and … Read more

Welfare Support for Ukrainian Refugees in Ireland

Government Expands Welfare Support for Ukrainian Refugees in Ireland

In a bid to extend vital assistance to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict, the Irish government is considering a significant expansion of social welfare provisions. Under the proposed plan, all Ukrainian nationals arriving in Ireland, regardless of arrival date, would be eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance amounting to €232 weekly, along with indefinite accommodation support provided … Read more

Sinn Féin, Fine Gael, and the Green

Major Parties Shift Stance as Concerns Over Immigration Mount

In a notable turn of events, Sinn Féin, Fine Gael, and the Greens have retracted their staunch anti-immigration positions amidst mounting public apprehension over the escalating refugee crisis. Recent polling by IrelandThinks/Sunday Independent indicates a surge in support for Sinn Féin, with the party’s popularity now standing at 29%, up by three points. Conversely, Fine … Read more

Refugee Arrivals in Dublin

Refugee Arrivals in Dublin Spark Government Criticism

Dublin is grappling with a surge in refugee arrivals, largely concentrated in the capital, drawing sharp criticism of the government’s handling of the situation. With thousands camping across the city, concerns mount over the lack of shelter and support for vulnerable individuals. Critics lambast the government’s silence and apparent inaction, highlighting the plight of male … Read more

Ireland Border

Ireland Refuses Direct Border Checks Amid UK Immigration Dispute

The Department of Justice in Ireland has clarified that gardaí (police officers) will not conduct direct checks at the Northern Ireland border amidst a mounting row with the UK over refugee arrivals. Despite earlier announcements of 100 Garda officers being allocated to immigration issues, the department emphasized they won’t be assigned to border inspections. Furthermore, … Read more

Indian Embassy in Dublin

Indian Embassy in Dublin Expands Payment Options for Consular Services

The Indian Embassy in Dublin has introduced new payment methods for consular services to enhance convenience for applicants. Effective immediately, fees for all consular applications submitted in person at the Embassy can now be paid using debit cards. Additionally, applicants opting for postal services can now make payments via bank transfer. In a recent announcement, … Read more

EU Parliament Passes Law-Refugee

EU Parliament Passes Law to Curtail Refugee Influx Amid Rising Political Tensions

In a significant move aimed at curbing illegal immigration, the European Parliament has approved a new law despite opposition from countries like Poland. This law, which took eight years of discussions to materialize, emphasizes quicker border security and asylum processing within six months. The law’s focal points include reducing illegal immigration from regions like the … Read more

Stamp 4 Eligibility

Changes to Stamp 4 Eligibility for Employees in Ireland

Effective immediately, Immigration Delivery Service (ISD) has updated eligibility criteria for Stamp 4 upgrades for employees residing in Ireland on Stamp 1 or 1H permissions. Following a review, employees can now qualify for a Stamp 4 upgrade under the following conditions: 21-Month Period: Employees with Critical Skills Employment Permits, Hosting Agreements as Researchers, or Multi-Site … Read more