The Government has approved the introduction of new rules on asylum and citizenship as part of reforms which Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has said will strengthen migration legislation.
Speaking outside Government buildings on Wednesday, Mr O’Callaghan said the new rules would aim to cut the population growth rate, acknowledging that the Irish rate is seven times higher than the EU average.
The head of the Department for Justice has said that the new policies and legislation will ensure the system is “rules-based, efficient and aligned with many EU Member States.”
The reforms also include a thorough review of family reunification policies.
The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration said today that the changes will mean that Family Reunification for those granted International Protection status will only be granted in cases where it can be shown they have sufficient resources to support family members.
Residents of international protection accommodation in employment will now be expected to make a financial contribution towards their accommodation. Additional powers to revoke refugee status where a person is found to be a danger to the security of the state or has been convicted of a serious crime will also be implemented.
The changes further include a tightening of citizenship criteria to ensure there is clear guidance on the application of good character requirements and the introduction of a requirement that applicants are self-sufficient.
Furthermore, residency requirements for people granted International Protection to rise from three years to five years before they can apply for citizenship. As part of the changes, International Protection Applicants for citizenship must also be self-sufficient and not in receipt of certain social protection payments within the previous two years before an application is made.
An updated policy document will tighten the existing policy on family reunification for most non-European Economic Area (EEA) residents, reduce the effective waiting period for those on General Employment Permits, and will give permission to work for 16-18 year olds.
Minister O’Callaghan said today that his action has been inspired by a purpose of ensuring public confidence.
“My actions have been driven by a firm resolve to build a rules-based system that is fair to those truly in need and firm with those who attempt to exploit it,” he said.
“The changes to the international protection system will ensure that anyone who has been granted asylum here in Ireland is only permitted to avail of family reunification when they are financially self-sufficient and can provide for those they wish to bring here.
“I am also introducing the power to revoke or refuse a residence permit for a refugee in circumstances where they are found to be a danger to the security of the state or have been convicted of involvement in serious crime. Whilst these situations are rare, it is important that these powers are provided for in law.”
RESIDENTS TO CONTRIBUTE TO ACCOMMODATION
The scheme for residents of international protection accommodation to contribute to their accommodation if they are in employment – the level of contribution will be linked to income levels – will be implemented within a planned 12-month period.
On this proposal Minister of State Colm Brophy said: “While not all international protection applicants are working, many are, and it makes sense for people who are earning an income and paying tax to also make a contribution to their State accommodation cost.
“Other EU Member States operate similar systems and, as we work towards the implementation of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, it’s important that we are aligned on these matters.”
TIGHTENING OF CITIZENSHIP RULES
Minister O’Callaghan, on the measures related to citizenship, said that the government is updating rules around how people qualify for citizenship.
“At present if you want to apply for citizenship by naturalisation you must have been resident here for five years. The rule for people granted international protection is different in that they only need to be here for three years.
“I have received government approval to change that so it will align with the general five-year rule. This change is appropriate because we are now processing international protection applications much faster and by the beginning of June next year all new applications will be processed within 3-6 months,” he said.
He said that in order “to align more closely with the practice in many other EU Member States,” he also proposes to introduce additional eligibility criteria so that people seeking citizenship “should not be in long term receipt of certain social protection payments or owe a debt to the State for a defined period leading up to an application.”
“My intention here is not to bar anybody who has ever received a welfare payment from the State, but I think it is reasonable to expect that a person seeking to become a citizen has contributed to the country. There will be welfare payments that will not, and should not, affect a person’s ability to apply and be granted citizenship,” he said.
On family reunification changes, the Justice Minister added that the purpose of the revised policy is to balance the need to have pathways that allow people to come and work here alongside the need to “ensure that those who do come here earn enough so that their family does not become a burden on the State.”
“With that in mind, I have tightened eligibility requirements around Family Reunification to primarily include nuclear family only and to ensure the financial thresholds are realistic.”