Ireland announces reform of its immigration system

Sixteen migrants were found in the trailer of a truck on a ferry from France to Ireland, in November 2019. PAUL ELLIS / AFP

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Ireland has just published its white paper on reception policy for migrants.

Since 2000, asylum seekers have been integrated into a “direct prescription” regime: reception centers where it is not possible to work, to obtain a driving license ... and from which it is difficult to leave before several years.

Upon coming to power in June, the coalition promised to get rid of the system. 

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With our correspondent in Dublin, 

Emeline Vin

The white plan published this Friday provides for two phases “

 centered on a non-profit approach

 ”.

A first phase of 4 months dedicated to support: medical check-up, English lessons, interviews with social workers.

Six centers will be built and managed by the State, they must allow each family or single person to have their own room.

Today, the 7,000 residents live in centers rented out to private actors, overcrowded houses or caravan parks.

Last year, this subcontracting cost the state 170 million euros. 

The second phase, of an unspecified duration, focuses on autonomy.

Applicants will have the right to open a bank account, work and get their driver's license - this is not allowed today. 

The government is giving itself three years to get rid of direct prescription: a system considered inhuman and stigmatizing by human rights organizations.

NGOs disappointed by the lack of measures to reduce

processing times

for asylum requests.

Currently, the average length of stay in direct prescription centers is two years.

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  • Ireland

  • International Migration

  • Immigration

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