Focus on Irish immigration and the facts about Ireland:
On January 2, 2013, Minister for Justice Alan Shatter summarized the work of the Department of Justice in 2012. Shatter stated that the Department made significant progress in promoting the Immigrant Investor Programme and launching the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, as well as addressing the backlog of citizenship applications. The focus of the Department's work in 2013 will continue to be on advancing immigration system reforms, particularly related legislative reforms.
1. Immigrant Investor Programme and Start-up Entrepreneur Programme
Shatter indicated that 14 applications have been approved, which will bring over 10 million euros in investment to Ireland and create more than 190 jobs over the next three years.
2. Citizenship
In 2012 alone, 25,000 citizenship applications were approved, exceeding the total number approved in the three years from 2008 to 2010. As a result, the Department received the "2012 Public Service Excellence Award" from the Prime Minister.
3. GNIB Registration
All non-European Economic Area individuals residing in Ireland for more than 90 days must register with the GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau). In 2012, approximately 115,000 individuals registered, a decrease of 13,200 from 2011. The Department believes the main reason for the decrease in registrations is due to the processing of a large backlog of citizenship applications. The majority of registrants came from India (11%), Brazil (10%), Nigeria (9%), China (8%), the United States (8%), and the Philippines (7%). These nationalities account for more than half of all registrations. The latest census results show that non-Irish nationals make up 12% of the national population.
4. Visas
In 2012, the Department issued approximately 88,000 entry visas, a 6% increase from 2011. The top five nationalities were India (16%), Russia (14%), China (11%), Nigeria (8%), and Turkey (5%).
5. Immigration Naturalization/Citizenship
In 2012, the Department processed over 25,000 citizenship applications, an increase of 9,000 from 2011. There were 28 citizenship oath ceremonies held in 2012.
6. International Students
Non-European Economic Area international students accounted for one-quarter of the total number of entry visas issued to Ireland in 2012. Among them, 5% were engaged in higher education, 26% in non-degree further education, and another 28% were studying language.
7. International Protection/Refugees
In 2012, a total of 950 individuals submitted refugee applications, a decrease of over 10,000 from the peak in 2002. Additionally, approximately 4,750 individuals applied for international protection.
8. Deportations
In 2011, approximately 2,700 individuals were deported. Among them, 298 were deported due to failed refugee applications and illegal residency.
9. Voluntary Return
In 2012, a total of 467 individuals chose to return voluntarily, of which 383 received assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for their return. The majority of those returning voluntarily came from Brazil, Moldova, and China.
Focus of the Department of Justice in 2013:
When discussing the main work of the Department in the immigration system for 2013, Shatter stated that he will seek a balance between helping immigrants who wish to come to Ireland and contribute to the economy and community, providing protection to those in genuine need; while firmly and fairly addressing those who attempt to abuse or exploit the immigration system. He also stated that immigration system reforms will continue in 2013, with a focus on legislative reforms related to immigration, residency, and asylum; international cooperation will be another focus for the Department in 2013. Shatter indicated that, in the context of the Common Travel Area, strengthening cooperation with the United Kingdom will be prioritized, and Ireland's role as the rotating presidency will facilitate enhanced cooperation on immigration issues with other countries at the European level.
1. Continue to promote the "Immigrant Investor Programme" and the "Visa Waiver Programme".
2. Legislative reforms for the refugee and immigration system. Shatter hopes that the "Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill" he has drafted will be passed into law in 2013. Once passed, this bill will fundamentally reform the adjudication methods used in refugee applications and residency, replacing the relevant legislation established in 1935.
3. Further cooperation with the United Kingdom to strengthen the Common Travel Area (CTA). Enhance the collection and sharing of visa information between the two systems and measures.
4. The "Gathering Ireland" 2013 visa will be implemented. Some approved activities under the theme of "Gathering Ireland" will be assigned a code, and tourists holding this code and passing verification will receive a free visa and priority processing.
5. Deport illegal immigrants. In 2013, the immigration department will firmly implement deportation orders, especially for certain nationalities that have previously been particularly difficult to deport.
6. In the first half of 2013, during Ireland's presidency of the EU, the main work objectives of the Department will be to address immigration, refugee, and visa issues.
