Migrants under fire; Ireland introduces the strictest measures yet

The new measures include requiring employed asylum seekers to contribute to the costs of state-provided accommodation, as well as tightening the criteria for family reunification and applications for citizenship for refugees, Reuters reports.

Net migration to Ireland has nearly doubled since 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels, reaching an average of 72,000 new migrants per year. The Finance Ministry attributes the increase to “unprecedented demand” for work permits and family reunifications, as well as a large number of Ukrainian refugees.

“I have to take into account that our population grew by 1.6 percent last year, which is seven times the EU average. The government’s position is that the rate of growth requires a policy response,” O’Callaghan said at a press conference.

He stated that Ireland does not want to return to the situation of 80 years ago, when its population was declining.

“It is a positive sign that the population is growing, but the pace of growth is concerning,” he added, emphasizing that the government recognizes the invaluable contribution of immigrants to society and the economy.

Those wishing to bring family members from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) will now have to prove they earn at least the average annual salary of over €44,000 and have suitable accommodation to support them.

The currently applicable provision allowing a person granted refugee status to apply for citizenship after three years of residence will be extended to five years, and individuals receiving certain long-term social benefits will not be eligible.

The proposals also stipulate that 7,500 employed asylum seekers living in state-provided accommodation must now contribute between 10 and 40 percent of their weekly earnings to cover housing costs. The government has also passed new laws to speed up decision-making and appeal processes. O’Callaghan said he expects processing times for applications to be reduced to three to six months by next June.