Update On Key Issues

As we come to the end of 2021, it looks like 2022 is going to be better for Asylum Seekers in Ireland. Here is an update on key issues as we understand them at this time:

Driving Licenses:

UPDATE 18th December 2021
Asylum Seekers can now apply for driving licenses - more info here -/>

The Government (through the White Paper on International Protection), the Supreme Court, the Minister for Justice & the Minister for Transport have all agreed that Asylum Seekers should be allowed to have a driving license. For this to happen, the Minister for Transport has stated that an amendment to current legislation is required and he has undertaken to do this. However, for the time being nothing has changed.
We will advise you when there is any update.
In the meantime if you are being offered driving lessons, be sure to get a written guarantee that any lessons you do will be counted when you want to apply for a driving test.

Opening Bank Accounts:

When Asylum Seekers are trying to open a Bank Account, the Temporary Residence Certificate is now accepted as proof of ID and a letter from IPAS or IPO is accepted as proof of address.

International Protection Office (IPO) Changes

For those newly entering the International Protection System as Asylum Seekers, the following should speed up the process from now on ~

• The IPO will be manned by more staff
• More staff will be able to do interviews & make recommendations
  
• A regional IPO Office in Cork will be opened
• For prioritised cases, interviews and decision making will be less intensive
• A target of an initial decision within 6 months is being aimed for
  

Special Afghan Admission Programme

In the last few days, there has been an announcement of 500 extra temporary residency places for family members of Afghan nationals living in Ireland. Those who are successful will be given temporary residence in Ireland for 2 years.

• Applicants must be living legally in Ireland
• Must be able to demonstrate ability to support the new arrivals as well as  provide accommodation and pay for travel costs themselves
• Family members (there will be some flexibility on relationship) in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan will be considered.
• Applications are open from 16h December and will remain open for 6 weeks ONLY
  
• There are NO fees for International Protection Applicants
• Full Details and Application Form HERE -/>

Regularisation Scheme for Asylum Seekers (Documented Immigrants)

The Minister for Justice has announced that a Regularisation Scheme for Asylum Seekers will begin early in 2022. The full details of this scheme are not fully available at the moment. Much of the current discussion in the Media is about a similar scheme for Undocumented Immigrants. These are NOT Asylum Seekers as Asylum Seekers are DOCUMENTED. It is important to clarify between the two.
What is known of the Regularisation Scheme for Asylum Seekers (Documented) is as follows:

• Anyone who has been in the International Protection System in Ireland for 2 years or more when the scheme starts will be able to apply.
• Those who are on appeal or deportation orders will also be able to apply.
• Successful applicants will be granted a Stamp 4 permission giving access to the Labour Market, with ability to Travel but no immediate access to family unification. However, family reunification may be granted afterwards.
  
• There will be an appeals system for those who are unsuccessful in their 1st application.
  
• Those eligible will be able to apply without cost over a period of 6 months starting early in 2022.
  
• The exact date when the scheme will open is not yet known.
• Those who are awaiting the outcome of interviews already done should take advice from legal advisors as to whether they should apply or not.
  
• We will hope to have more detail and related advice to you as soon as possible and before the scheme opens.
  
  

All of the above should make life a little easier for Asylum Seekers in the year to come.

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