concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents 4.2.1.5 Directive 20... more concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents 4.2.1.5 Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States ("The Citizenship Directive") 4.2.1.6 Directive 2004/114/EC of 13 December 2004 on the conditions of admission of third-country nationals for the purposes of studies, pupil exchange, unremunerated training or voluntary service 4.
The Central Statistics Office survey revealed significant levels of reported discrimination. Over... more The Central Statistics Office survey revealed significant levels of reported discrimination. Overall 12.5 per cent of the Irish population aged 18 years and over said that they had been discriminated against in the preceeding two years. This survey provided a valuable benchmark against which to assess progress in combating discrimination. It provided information that raised questions in relation to the adequacy of the current equality legislation and of the level of investment in the existing equality infrastructure to eliminate this reported discrimination. It is important, therefore, that this data be further examined to increase our understanding of this reported discrimination. Helen Russell, Emma Quinn, Rebecca King O'Riain and Frances McGinnity have applied expertise and insight in their examination of this data. They have provided us with new information on the social characteristics of those at risk of discrimination in different social contexts, on Work-related discrimination by sector and occupation, and on the impact of this discrimination and the responses of those experiencing this discrimination. We are grateful to the authors for their work on this report. We are also grateful to Laurence Bond, Head of Research with the Equality Authority, for his support to this research project. This report has policy and practice implications that must now be a focus for attention from the relevant authorities and organisations. The unemployed are not covered by the equality legislation but they emerge from this report as particularly vulnerable to exploitation. This suggests the need to review and broaden the grounds covered by the equality legislation. The report highlights that the social groups who report the highest levels of discrimination are the least likely to take action. This suggests the need for increased proactive third party interventions such as information campaigns, advocacy and legal supports. The report also suggests the need for new practice to eliminate discrimination particularly in financial services and accommodation as well as in workplace recruitment.
Irish policymakers have shown an increasing awareness of the need to attract highly qualified and... more Irish policymakers have shown an increasing awareness of the need to attract highly qualified and qualified workers from outside the EEA to fill skills shortages. Recent policy measures include:
and EMN Finland for their input and insights. Thanks are also due to our colleagues at the ESRI, ... more and EMN Finland for their input and insights. Thanks are also due to our colleagues at the ESRI, including Michał Polakowski, Katie Duffy and an anonymous reviewer, for their insights, as well as Sarah Burns for support in managing its publication. This report has been accepted for publication by the Institute, which does not itself take institutional policy positions. All ESRI Research Series reports are peer-reviewed prior to publication. The author(s) are solely responsible for the content and the views expressed.
This study of provides an overview of the reception system for protection applicants in Ireland, ... more This study of provides an overview of the reception system for protection applicants in Ireland, including the organisation of the system, the authorities responsible, types of facilities used and basic material conditions within the centres. The strengths and weaknesses of the system are discussed. All seekers of international protection in Ireland (including asylum seekers, those awaiting decisions on their applications for subsidiary protection and those awaiting permission to remain in Ireland under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999) may access the direct provision system of accommodation, but there is no legal requirement to do so. Direct provision accommodation is the responsibility of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), an agency under the aegis of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). RIA provides accommodation for persons with protection applications pending. Applicants who receive a negative decision are housed until the point of return, whil...
we thank these officials for their time and input. Sincere thanks are also due to independent con... more we thank these officials for their time and input. Sincere thanks are also due to independent consultant John Stanley BL, and to our colleagues Corona Joyce, Elaine Byrne and Philip O'Connell. The opinions presented in this report are those of the Irish National Contact Point of the European Migration Network and do not represent the position of the Irish Department of Justice and Equality or the European Commission Directorate-General Home Affairs.
The mission of the Economic and Social Research Institute is to advance evidencebased policymakin... more The mission of the Economic and Social Research Institute is to advance evidencebased policymaking that supports economic sustainability and social progress in Ireland. ESRI researchers apply the highest standards of academic excellence to challenges facing policymakers, focusing on 12 areas of critical importance to 21st Century Ireland. The Institute was founded in 1960 by a group of senior civil servants led by Dr T.K. Whitaker, who identified the need for independent and in-depth research analysis to provide a robust evidence base for policymaking in Ireland. Since then, the Institute has remained committed to independent research and its work is free of any expressed ideology or political position. The Institute publishes all research reaching the appropriate academic standard, irrespective of its findings or who funds the research. The quality of its research output is guaranteed by a rigorous peer review process. ESRI researchers are experts in their fields and are committed to producing work that meets the highest academic standards and practices. The work of the Institute is disseminated widely in books, journal articles and reports. ESRI publications are available to download, free of charge, from its website. Additionally, ESRI staff communicate research findings at regular conferences and seminars. The ESRI is a company limited by guarantee, answerable to its members and governed by a Council, comprising 14 members who represent a cross-section of ESRI members from academia, civil services, state agencies, businesses and civil society. The Institute receives an annual grant-in-aid from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to support the scientific and public interest elements of the Institute's activities; the grant accounted for an average of 30 per cent of the Institute's income over the lifetime of the last Research Strategy. The remaining funding comes from research programmes supported by government departments and agencies, public bodies and competitive research programmes.
Ireland's population is growing ever more diverse. Almost 12% of people living here have a nation... more Ireland's population is growing ever more diverse. Almost 12% of people living here have a nationality other than Irish. We have seen a large increase in recent years in people choosing to become Irish citizens and in addition, the numbers of second generation migrants continue to grow. This increasing diversity offers many benefits to our communities-from enhancing our skills base to enriching our cultural life. When we truly value diversity and take steps to demonstrate that value, we send a powerful message of inclusion and anti-discrimination into our society. Ireland's National Strategy for Migrant Integration is underpinned by the vision that migrants are facilitated to play a full role in Irish society, that integration is a core principle of Irish life and that Irish society and institutions work together to promote integration. Those working to realise this vision, across the public, private and voluntary sectors, need access to detailed information to inform and guide their work. It is by reference to reliable data on how migrants to Ireland are faring on key drivers of integration such as education, employment, social inclusion and active citizenship, that we can design and target effective interventions to support integration and remove barriers to it. This is why I funded the ESRI to complete this Monitoring Report on Integration. This report brings together these data, measures changes over time, and describes policy implications. It will be a valuable resource for policymakers and practitioners alike. The Monitoring Report provides essential evidence on outcomes for migrant groups in Ireland and shows how these compare with outcomes for the native population. This vital evidence will help to inform the design of the supports required to facilitate successful integration. Our increased diversity brings with it both challenges and opportunities. High quality, up-to-date evidence equips us better to meet both. I welcome this report.
Racial discrimination in this report is understood to mean ‘any distinction, exclusion, restricti... more Racial discrimination in this report is understood to mean ‘any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin’ (ICERD, Article 1). Discrimination is distinct from racial prejudice (an attitude) and stereotypes (beliefs). Discrimination can be damaging to both individuals’ life chances and their wellbeing, as well as to society (OECD, 2013; Fibbi et al., 2021). Yet discrimination is difficult to measure accurately. It is also challenging to devise measures to combat discriminatory behaviour and promote diversity. This report reviews international literature on racial discrimination in the labour market and the effectiveness of measures to combat it. The aim is to distil the evidence into a short report to inform measures addressing discrimination in the labour market, including the current development of the National Action Plan Against Racism. The focus is on specific measures that can be implemented now to address cur...
The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and while the report was reviewed in ... more The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and while the report was reviewed in both organisations, the views do not necessarily represent those of either the Integration Centre or the Economic and Social Research Institute.
The aim of the European Migration Network (EMN) is to provide up-to-date, objective, reliable and... more The aim of the European Migration Network (EMN) is to provide up-to-date, objective, reliable and comparable information on migration and asylum at Member State and EU levels with a view to supporting policymaking and informing the general public.
Diversity has become an integral part of Irish life, with almost 12 per cent of people living her... more Diversity has become an integral part of Irish life, with almost 12 per cent of people living here having a nationality other than Irish. We must be prepared to embrace this growing diversity and look for ways to increase the benefits that it can bring to Irish society. Ireland's National Migrant Integration Strategy is one way in which we are trying to remove barriers to fully realising the potential and opportunities that diversity can bring. The Strategy is underpinned by the vision that migrants are facilitated to play a full role in Irish society, that integration is a core principle of Irish life and that Irish society and institutions work together to promote integration. The Strategy recognises the need for research and data to understand how mainstream services are meeting migrant needs. Reliable information and data is essential to being able to develop appropriate responses to challenges and barriers that are faced by those who are trying to build their lives in Ireland and become fully integrated into Irish society. The Department of Justice and Equality has funded a research programme with the ESRI in order to ensure that this information is readily available. The first report from this research programme, published in November 2018, was the Monitoring Report on Integration 2018, which has already proved to be extremely useful in pinpointing key areas of concern that require further focus and engagement.
In this article, we look firstly at trends in arrivals of spontaneous refugees and resettled refu... more In this article, we look firstly at trends in arrivals of spontaneous refugees and resettled refugees in Ireland and the integration supports available to this group as outlined in national-level policy. We discuss the similarities between spontaneous and resettled refugee groups in Ireland and argue that integration needs in the longer term are similar; both groups of refugees require integration supports tailored to their specific needs. We discuss these needs in this article. We suggest that the current approach to provide only targeted supports to resettled refugees is somewhat paradoxical, in that one group of beneficiaries appears privileged in the provision of integration services and supports over the other group, despite similar needs. This article comes at a time when Ireland has opted-in to the European Union Recast Reception Conditions Directive, which provides asylum seekers the right to work under certain conditions. The article explores the impact of recent policy and legislative reforms on the integration prospects of spontaneous refugees in particular. It also looks to the future and discusses challenges under the current system and the increasing asylum application processing backlog.
This study is a broad-ranging exploration of the policies and practices in place for unaccompanie... more This study is a broad-ranging exploration of the policies and practices in place for unaccompanied minors in Ireland. Unaccompanied minors and separated children, broadly defined as children below the age of eighteen, who are not in the care of/accompanied by a responsible adult, form a particularly vulnerable migrant group. While at EU-level there are indications that the number of unaccompanied minors moving to and within the region is increasing, in Ireland the trend is downward. For example, between 2000 and 2008 some 5,688 unaccompanied minors were referred to the specialist TUSLA Social Work Team for Separated Children Seeking Asylum (SWTSCSA) in Dublin, while in the period January 2009 - October 2014, 661 referrals took place. In addition to reduced flows, recent years have seen the introduction of a generally improved model of care for such children. Notwithstanding these improvements key challenges remain and these are discussed in detail in this report
concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents 4.2.1.5 Directive 20... more concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents 4.2.1.5 Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States ("The Citizenship Directive") 4.2.1.6 Directive 2004/114/EC of 13 December 2004 on the conditions of admission of third-country nationals for the purposes of studies, pupil exchange, unremunerated training or voluntary service 4.
The Central Statistics Office survey revealed significant levels of reported discrimination. Over... more The Central Statistics Office survey revealed significant levels of reported discrimination. Overall 12.5 per cent of the Irish population aged 18 years and over said that they had been discriminated against in the preceeding two years. This survey provided a valuable benchmark against which to assess progress in combating discrimination. It provided information that raised questions in relation to the adequacy of the current equality legislation and of the level of investment in the existing equality infrastructure to eliminate this reported discrimination. It is important, therefore, that this data be further examined to increase our understanding of this reported discrimination. Helen Russell, Emma Quinn, Rebecca King O'Riain and Frances McGinnity have applied expertise and insight in their examination of this data. They have provided us with new information on the social characteristics of those at risk of discrimination in different social contexts, on Work-related discrimination by sector and occupation, and on the impact of this discrimination and the responses of those experiencing this discrimination. We are grateful to the authors for their work on this report. We are also grateful to Laurence Bond, Head of Research with the Equality Authority, for his support to this research project. This report has policy and practice implications that must now be a focus for attention from the relevant authorities and organisations. The unemployed are not covered by the equality legislation but they emerge from this report as particularly vulnerable to exploitation. This suggests the need to review and broaden the grounds covered by the equality legislation. The report highlights that the social groups who report the highest levels of discrimination are the least likely to take action. This suggests the need for increased proactive third party interventions such as information campaigns, advocacy and legal supports. The report also suggests the need for new practice to eliminate discrimination particularly in financial services and accommodation as well as in workplace recruitment.
Irish policymakers have shown an increasing awareness of the need to attract highly qualified and... more Irish policymakers have shown an increasing awareness of the need to attract highly qualified and qualified workers from outside the EEA to fill skills shortages. Recent policy measures include:
and EMN Finland for their input and insights. Thanks are also due to our colleagues at the ESRI, ... more and EMN Finland for their input and insights. Thanks are also due to our colleagues at the ESRI, including Michał Polakowski, Katie Duffy and an anonymous reviewer, for their insights, as well as Sarah Burns for support in managing its publication. This report has been accepted for publication by the Institute, which does not itself take institutional policy positions. All ESRI Research Series reports are peer-reviewed prior to publication. The author(s) are solely responsible for the content and the views expressed.
This study of provides an overview of the reception system for protection applicants in Ireland, ... more This study of provides an overview of the reception system for protection applicants in Ireland, including the organisation of the system, the authorities responsible, types of facilities used and basic material conditions within the centres. The strengths and weaknesses of the system are discussed. All seekers of international protection in Ireland (including asylum seekers, those awaiting decisions on their applications for subsidiary protection and those awaiting permission to remain in Ireland under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999) may access the direct provision system of accommodation, but there is no legal requirement to do so. Direct provision accommodation is the responsibility of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), an agency under the aegis of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). RIA provides accommodation for persons with protection applications pending. Applicants who receive a negative decision are housed until the point of return, whil...
we thank these officials for their time and input. Sincere thanks are also due to independent con... more we thank these officials for their time and input. Sincere thanks are also due to independent consultant John Stanley BL, and to our colleagues Corona Joyce, Elaine Byrne and Philip O'Connell. The opinions presented in this report are those of the Irish National Contact Point of the European Migration Network and do not represent the position of the Irish Department of Justice and Equality or the European Commission Directorate-General Home Affairs.
The mission of the Economic and Social Research Institute is to advance evidencebased policymakin... more The mission of the Economic and Social Research Institute is to advance evidencebased policymaking that supports economic sustainability and social progress in Ireland. ESRI researchers apply the highest standards of academic excellence to challenges facing policymakers, focusing on 12 areas of critical importance to 21st Century Ireland. The Institute was founded in 1960 by a group of senior civil servants led by Dr T.K. Whitaker, who identified the need for independent and in-depth research analysis to provide a robust evidence base for policymaking in Ireland. Since then, the Institute has remained committed to independent research and its work is free of any expressed ideology or political position. The Institute publishes all research reaching the appropriate academic standard, irrespective of its findings or who funds the research. The quality of its research output is guaranteed by a rigorous peer review process. ESRI researchers are experts in their fields and are committed to producing work that meets the highest academic standards and practices. The work of the Institute is disseminated widely in books, journal articles and reports. ESRI publications are available to download, free of charge, from its website. Additionally, ESRI staff communicate research findings at regular conferences and seminars. The ESRI is a company limited by guarantee, answerable to its members and governed by a Council, comprising 14 members who represent a cross-section of ESRI members from academia, civil services, state agencies, businesses and civil society. The Institute receives an annual grant-in-aid from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to support the scientific and public interest elements of the Institute's activities; the grant accounted for an average of 30 per cent of the Institute's income over the lifetime of the last Research Strategy. The remaining funding comes from research programmes supported by government departments and agencies, public bodies and competitive research programmes.
Ireland's population is growing ever more diverse. Almost 12% of people living here have a nation... more Ireland's population is growing ever more diverse. Almost 12% of people living here have a nationality other than Irish. We have seen a large increase in recent years in people choosing to become Irish citizens and in addition, the numbers of second generation migrants continue to grow. This increasing diversity offers many benefits to our communities-from enhancing our skills base to enriching our cultural life. When we truly value diversity and take steps to demonstrate that value, we send a powerful message of inclusion and anti-discrimination into our society. Ireland's National Strategy for Migrant Integration is underpinned by the vision that migrants are facilitated to play a full role in Irish society, that integration is a core principle of Irish life and that Irish society and institutions work together to promote integration. Those working to realise this vision, across the public, private and voluntary sectors, need access to detailed information to inform and guide their work. It is by reference to reliable data on how migrants to Ireland are faring on key drivers of integration such as education, employment, social inclusion and active citizenship, that we can design and target effective interventions to support integration and remove barriers to it. This is why I funded the ESRI to complete this Monitoring Report on Integration. This report brings together these data, measures changes over time, and describes policy implications. It will be a valuable resource for policymakers and practitioners alike. The Monitoring Report provides essential evidence on outcomes for migrant groups in Ireland and shows how these compare with outcomes for the native population. This vital evidence will help to inform the design of the supports required to facilitate successful integration. Our increased diversity brings with it both challenges and opportunities. High quality, up-to-date evidence equips us better to meet both. I welcome this report.
Racial discrimination in this report is understood to mean ‘any distinction, exclusion, restricti... more Racial discrimination in this report is understood to mean ‘any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin’ (ICERD, Article 1). Discrimination is distinct from racial prejudice (an attitude) and stereotypes (beliefs). Discrimination can be damaging to both individuals’ life chances and their wellbeing, as well as to society (OECD, 2013; Fibbi et al., 2021). Yet discrimination is difficult to measure accurately. It is also challenging to devise measures to combat discriminatory behaviour and promote diversity. This report reviews international literature on racial discrimination in the labour market and the effectiveness of measures to combat it. The aim is to distil the evidence into a short report to inform measures addressing discrimination in the labour market, including the current development of the National Action Plan Against Racism. The focus is on specific measures that can be implemented now to address cur...
The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and while the report was reviewed in ... more The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and while the report was reviewed in both organisations, the views do not necessarily represent those of either the Integration Centre or the Economic and Social Research Institute.
The aim of the European Migration Network (EMN) is to provide up-to-date, objective, reliable and... more The aim of the European Migration Network (EMN) is to provide up-to-date, objective, reliable and comparable information on migration and asylum at Member State and EU levels with a view to supporting policymaking and informing the general public.
Diversity has become an integral part of Irish life, with almost 12 per cent of people living her... more Diversity has become an integral part of Irish life, with almost 12 per cent of people living here having a nationality other than Irish. We must be prepared to embrace this growing diversity and look for ways to increase the benefits that it can bring to Irish society. Ireland's National Migrant Integration Strategy is one way in which we are trying to remove barriers to fully realising the potential and opportunities that diversity can bring. The Strategy is underpinned by the vision that migrants are facilitated to play a full role in Irish society, that integration is a core principle of Irish life and that Irish society and institutions work together to promote integration. The Strategy recognises the need for research and data to understand how mainstream services are meeting migrant needs. Reliable information and data is essential to being able to develop appropriate responses to challenges and barriers that are faced by those who are trying to build their lives in Ireland and become fully integrated into Irish society. The Department of Justice and Equality has funded a research programme with the ESRI in order to ensure that this information is readily available. The first report from this research programme, published in November 2018, was the Monitoring Report on Integration 2018, which has already proved to be extremely useful in pinpointing key areas of concern that require further focus and engagement.
In this article, we look firstly at trends in arrivals of spontaneous refugees and resettled refu... more In this article, we look firstly at trends in arrivals of spontaneous refugees and resettled refugees in Ireland and the integration supports available to this group as outlined in national-level policy. We discuss the similarities between spontaneous and resettled refugee groups in Ireland and argue that integration needs in the longer term are similar; both groups of refugees require integration supports tailored to their specific needs. We discuss these needs in this article. We suggest that the current approach to provide only targeted supports to resettled refugees is somewhat paradoxical, in that one group of beneficiaries appears privileged in the provision of integration services and supports over the other group, despite similar needs. This article comes at a time when Ireland has opted-in to the European Union Recast Reception Conditions Directive, which provides asylum seekers the right to work under certain conditions. The article explores the impact of recent policy and legislative reforms on the integration prospects of spontaneous refugees in particular. It also looks to the future and discusses challenges under the current system and the increasing asylum application processing backlog.
This study is a broad-ranging exploration of the policies and practices in place for unaccompanie... more This study is a broad-ranging exploration of the policies and practices in place for unaccompanied minors in Ireland. Unaccompanied minors and separated children, broadly defined as children below the age of eighteen, who are not in the care of/accompanied by a responsible adult, form a particularly vulnerable migrant group. While at EU-level there are indications that the number of unaccompanied minors moving to and within the region is increasing, in Ireland the trend is downward. For example, between 2000 and 2008 some 5,688 unaccompanied minors were referred to the specialist TUSLA Social Work Team for Separated Children Seeking Asylum (SWTSCSA) in Dublin, while in the period January 2009 - October 2014, 661 referrals took place. In addition to reduced flows, recent years have seen the introduction of a generally improved model of care for such children. Notwithstanding these improvements key challenges remain and these are discussed in detail in this report
Migratory pathways to Ireland for start-ups and innovative entrepreneurs, 2020
This European Migration Network study examines policy and practice relating to non-EEA start-ups ... more This European Migration Network study examines policy and practice relating to non-EEA start-ups and innovative entrepreneurs in Ireland. The study is an in-depth examination of the Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) by which start-up founders, innovative entrepreneurs and their families come to Ireland. The report briefly considers the Irish start-up landscape and how policy has developed in relation to the migration of non-EEA entrepreneurs, as well as planned future policy direction in this regard.
Ireland’s Response to Recent Trends in International Protection Applications, 2018
The flow of displaced persons into Ireland has been much lower than in many EU Member States. Des... more The flow of displaced persons into Ireland has been much lower than in many EU Member States. Despite its peripheral geographical location, Ireland did experience an increase in asylum applications in the years that correspond with the EU refugee and migrant crisis: after a sustained period of decreasing asylum applications, 2014 saw a 53 per cent increase over the previous year (1,448 applications were made in 2014 compared to 946 in 2013). During 2015, applications increased again by 126 per cent, to reach 3,276 before declining to 2,244 in 2016.
This study looks at Ireland’s response to recent trends in international protection applications during the period 2014–2016. In Ireland, like in many other Member States, a number of operational, legislative and policy changes were introduced in those years specifically to address or manage fluctuations in the number of asylum applications, or to better control migration flows. Such policies and practices responded both to the wider EU refugee and migrant crisis, which had limited direct impact on Ireland but which changed the policy context, as well as to national increases and decreases in asylum applications.
Data from the QNHS are used to show the numbers of workers employed in highly skilled occupations... more Data from the QNHS are used to show the numbers of workers employed in highly skilled occupations between 2000 – 2005, categorised by Irish, EU15, EU10 and non-EU nationality. The report outlines the employment permits system for highly skilled workers that was in place prior to 2007. The rights and obligations of highly skilled workers are considered. Along with all European Migration Network reports this country study will form part of a European synthesis report.
This report provides an overview of the reception systems in place for asylum applicants and thei... more This report provides an overview of the reception systems in place for asylum applicants and their capacities. The study also focuses on the social situation of asylum applicants within the reception system in Ireland. The study considers in details asylum application procedure and their legal framework; the organisation, number and capacities of reception facilities; and accommodation, benefits and services provided to asylum applicants.
This report is the Irish contribution to an EU-wide investigation of illegal immigration and Stat... more This report is the Irish contribution to an EU-wide investigation of illegal immigration and State approaches to illegally resident immigrants. There are two categories of illegal immigrant discussed in the current report: persons who enter the State illegally and continue to reside illegally and persons who enter legally and whose residence status later becomes irregular. Almost no statistics exist on stocks of illegally resident immigrants beyond the number of outstanding deportation orders. In this report we investigate legislative and policy approaches to the prevention of illegal immigration. A major source of illegal immigration to Ireland is a result of movements from within the Common Travel Area that Ireland shares with Britain. The available information on the social and economic situation and political participation of illegal immigrants is also presented.
The current study aims to investigate managed migration and the labour market in relation to the ... more The current study aims to investigate managed migration and the labour market in relation to the health sector in Ireland. The focus of the report is on the following areas: medicine, nursing, dentistry, dental nursing, psychology, nursing and midwifery, physiotherapy, pharmacy and chiropody/podiatry. The study identifies that immigration has contributed substantially to increased numbers of persons employed in medicine and nursing in Ireland. These future immigrant needs in the health sector are considered in light of anticipated demographic and other trends.
This study presents available information on return migration from Ireland. A range of return typ... more This study presents available information on return migration from Ireland. A range of return types are discussed. Forced returns include deportations, removals and Dublin II transfers of non-EU nationals. The report also includes information on returns of non-EU nationals that are administratively “assisted” by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, assisted voluntary returns of potentially destitute EU nationals by the Reception and Integration Agency and assisted voluntary returns of non-EU nationals organised by the International Organization for Migration. Available information is presented on the legal basis of each type of return immigration, the associated costs and the demographic characteristics of returners.
This study investigates practical measures for reducing irregular migration in Ireland. Irish pol... more This study investigates practical measures for reducing irregular migration in Ireland. Irish policy towards irregular migration is influenced by the State’s geographical position, at the north-western periphery of Europe, by the Common Travel Area (CTA) shared with the UK the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey and by the fact that the State is an island with one land border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In addition Ireland and the UK have discretion as to whether the States opt in to EU measures relating to immigration and asylum. During 2010 some 56 per cent of overseas visits to Ireland by non-residents originated from within the CTA. Given Ireland’s peripheral geographical position and recent migration history, it is unlikely that the irregular population in Ireland represents a significant share of the EU total. Reliable statistics on the irregular migrant population in Ireland do not exist and certain problems with data availability make even an estimate difficult. Among the objectives of this EU-wide study is to present practical approaches, mechanisms and measures developed by the Member States to reduce the number of irregular migrants in the EU. This study outlines current policy relevant to irregular migration, and practical examples of measures taken to address irregular migration. Available national data are provided on the profile of irregular migrants in Ireland.
This study investigates the development of visa policy in Ireland. The effect of visa policy and... more This study investigates the development of visa policy in Ireland. The effect of visa policy and practice on the management of migration, both in terms of facilitating legal migration and preventing irregular migration is discussed. Available data on visa applications, approvals and refusals since 2005 are provided.
The Irish visa system is a form of pre-entry clearance to travel to a point of entry in Ireland only. Ireland lies outside the Schengen zone and the issuing of both short and long-term visas is a national competence. The Irish visa system is discretionary, whereby the Minister for Justice and Equality decides whether or not to grant applications for visas. Exceptions relate to beneficiaries of EU Treaty free movement rights. The impact of EU policy and legislation on Irish visa policy is also discussed.
The study looks at cooperation with non-EU countries. Case studies are provided on Irish visa policy and practice in relation to Nigeria and China, including the introduction of a requirement for biometric data to support visa applications in Nigeria and Ireland’s approach to attracting Chinese students while tackling perceived abuses of the student visa system.
The current study is intended to promote understanding of temporary and circular migration by Thi... more The current study is intended to promote understanding of temporary and circular migration by Third Country nationals to Ireland. Most migration policy development in Ireland has been related to migration that is ultimately viewed as temporary. Ireland’s policy decision to prioritise migration from the enlarged EU in 2004 facilitated the entry of workers to a tight labour market. Emigration data now show that this population is highly mobile and has responded quickly to changed economic conditions by moving on to other destinations.
Knowledge about circular and temporary migration patterns is limited by the fact that available data sources do not record exits from the State. It is not known how long people who enter the State as temporary migrants stay, or how many make Ireland their permanent home.
Ireland has no immediate plans to introduce formal circular migration programmes. However, there have been significant recent policy developments relevant to temporary migrants, in particular, student migrants are a group for which further policy development is planned.
The current study investigates Ireland’s approach to satisfying labour and skills demand through ... more The current study investigates Ireland’s approach to satisfying labour and skills demand through migration in the period 2004-2010. The emphasis is on non-EU economic immigration but information is also provided on EU immigration where relevant. Policy information and data is provided on economic migrants, where relevant divided into highly skilled, skilled and low skilled workers. Ireland’s policy on labour migration is to meet all labour and skills needs from within the enlarged EEA as far as is possible, and to limit non-EEA labour migration to that of the most highly skilled and hard to find workers. Data from the Quarterly National Household Survey show that the proportion of non-Irish nationals is lowest in the high occupational skill grouping. Within the non-Irish groups highly skilled occupations have been dominated by nationals from other EU15 States and by migrants from outside the EU. In skilled and low skilled occupations nationals from the enlarged EU (EU10/12) clearly dominate. The Irish employment permits system is described and assessed. It is shown that the system is lightly regulated and employer-led and that it functioned well during the boom in sourcing the workers required. With rising unemployment there are now only very limited skills shortages in Ireland. Recent changes to the economic permits system in light of the economic downturn are discussed. Employment permit data show that the percentage of employment permits refused more than doubled between 2008 and 2009 while the number of new permits issued fell by 54 per cent in the same period.
People seeking protection who attain a status with lower guarantees whether, for example, for hum... more People seeking protection who attain a status with lower guarantees whether, for example, for humanitarian reasons or due to the principle against non-refoulement, are accorded rights determined by a Member State’s domestic law. Such statuses, which are not provided for by EU law, may be said to be non-EU harmonised statuses. The current study outlines and compares the EU harmonised and non-harmonised protection statuses currently in operation in Ireland.
This European Migration Network (EMN) study aims to share knowledge on assisted return across EU ... more This European Migration Network (EMN) study aims to share knowledge on assisted return across EU Member States and to assist with the development of related policy and programmes. The focus of the Irish report is on the assisted voluntary return of non-EU nationals although some comparative information will also be included on forced return and on an assisted return scheme offered to nationals of the 12 Member States that most recently joined the EU. The current report builds on work published in 2007 by the EMN on return migration in the widest sense, i.e. comprising forced, assisted voluntary and voluntary return. A similar report will be produced by 23 other participating EMN National Contact Points. A synthesis report will be compiled that will draw together the findings of individual studies and place them in a European context.
This report examines policies and provisions for unaccompanied minors in Ireland. The report prov... more This report examines policies and provisions for unaccompanied minors in Ireland. The report provides an overview of the complex system of provision in the area and highlights presenting issues and gaps as well as instances of best practice. A potential conflict was identified between the unaccompanied minor as a protection applicant or person of otherwise undefined legal (immigration) status, versus a minor who should invoke the "best interests of the child" principle. The report highlighted important findings including the regional nature of service provision and lack of information; lack of suitable accommodation for some minors; insufficient social work supports; lack of clear immigration status for unaccompanied minors; and the lack of follow up on aged out minors.
All seekers of international protection in Ireland may access the direct provision system of acco... more All seekers of international protection in Ireland may access the direct provision system of accommodation, but there is no legal requirement to do so. Direct provision accommodation is the responsibility of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), an agency under the aegis of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). RIA provides mainly full board accommodation by way of externally contracted agencies in locations dispersed throughout Ireland. This report outlines the legal background to the direct provision system in Ireland, the reception facility types, the various actors involved and the procedures in assigning individuals to different centres. The material reception conditions in direct provision centres are examined and associated ongoing debates are summarised. Available data on occupancy and costs are also included. Just under 4,600 persons were accommodated in the 34 reception centres at the end of 2012 with 244 persons accommodated in the initial reception centre in Dublin. Eight of the 34 reception centres were confined to occupancy by single males with the remainder occupied by a mix of families, single adults and couples at the end of 2012; two centres were self-catering. Some 37 per cent of total residents at end-2012 were aged under 18 years, while 18 per cent were aged under five years. The report presents information from the Irish contribution to a European Migration Network (EMN) study on The Organisation of Reception Facilities for Asylum Seekers in the different Member States. The aim of the EU-wide EMN study is to gather information on the organisation of reception facilities for applicants for international protection in the EU, identifying good practices and existing mechanisms for efficient, flexible reception facilities whilst maintaining the quality of such reception facilities and controlling costs.
This study is a broad-ranging exploration of the policies and practices in place for unaccompanie... more This study is a broad-ranging exploration of the policies and practices in place for unaccompanied minors in Ireland. Unaccompanied minors and separated children, broadly defined as children below the age of eighteen, who are not in the care of/accompanied by a responsible adult, form a particularly vulnerable migrant group. While at EU-level there are indications that the number of unaccompanied minors moving to and within the region is increasing, in Ireland the trend is downward. For example, between 2000 and 2008 some 5,688 unaccompanied minors were referred to the specialist TUSLA Social Work Team for Separated Children Seeking Asylum (SWTSCSA) in Dublin, while in the period January 2009 - October 2014, 661 referrals took place. In addition to reduced flows, recent years have seen the introduction of a generally improved model of care for such children. Notwithstanding these improvements key challenges remain and these are discussed in detail in this report. The study investigates: the availability of data on the group; the motivations and circumstances of unaccompanied minors seeking entry to Ireland; the policy and practices at play at the border and when claiming asylum; and the policies and practices in place on age assessment and guardianship. The absence of a clearly defined immigration status for unaccompanied minors is considered and the implications are examined. The application of the law and practices regarding reception and care of unaccompanied minors are also discussed in detail. In addition available information is provided on minors going missing from State care and the situation of unaccompanied minors who turn 18 years of age and therefore potentially ‘age-out’ of the system. The issue of return of unaccompanied minors is examined as one of several possible ‘durable solutions’.
This study investigates resettlement and private sponsorship programmes operational in Ireland be... more This study investigates resettlement and private sponsorship programmes operational in Ireland between 2011 and 2016. The study focuses on the ‘traditional’ Irish Refugee Resettlement Programme and the recent once-off Syrian Humanitarian Admission Programme (SHAP), a private sponsorship scheme. A comprehensive overview of both programmes including some of the associated challenges and successes is provided in the study.
In the global context of record high populations of refugees and displaced persons, the number of refugees resettled to Ireland and to other EU Member States is very low. The overall EU response, as well as the global response to the migrant and refugee crisis has been heavily criticised by NGOs.
From a domestic policy perspective it is notable that Ireland voluntarily pledged more places than recommended under the EU Resettlement Programme. Ireland’s decision to participate in the EU-wide response to the refugee crisis has resulted in an increase in the number of resettled persons foreseen to arrive in Ireland. Accordingly the study is undertaken at a time of expansion for the Irish Refugee Resettlement Programme.
The report indicates that Ireland has shown commitment to a European response to the present crisis. As of November 2016, Ireland had resettled 98 per cent of the 520 refugees pledged under the EU programme, ahead of schedule. The majority of those resettled have been of Syrian origin.
This study investigates and maps supports which aim to facilitate the integration of beneficiarie... more This study investigates and maps supports which aim to facilitate the integration of beneficiaries of international protection into the Irish labour market. We examine what employment-related support measures are available to beneficiaries, and the extent to which these are targeted to the needs of the group.
The study finds that Ireland has not developed a system of labour market integration supports, tailored to the needs of refugees. Access by refugees to mainstreamed employment supports is unrestricted. However the provision of targeted integration measures is important because refugees can face specific barriers to participation, including: experiences of trauma, the absence of a social network, gaps in employment and education, and a lack of documentation hindering the recognition of qualifications by employers. Refugees can face also challenges in navigating the system of mainstream service provision.
The report is based on the Irish contribution to an EU-level, European Migration Network (EMN) study on Integration of beneficiaries of international/humanitarian protection into the labour market: policies and good practices in the EU, the synthesis report of which compiles 24 country studies.
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This study looks at Ireland’s response to recent trends in international protection applications during the period 2014–2016. In Ireland, like in many other Member States, a number of operational, legislative and policy changes were introduced in those years specifically to address or manage fluctuations in the number of asylum applications, or to better control migration flows. Such policies and practices responded both to the wider EU refugee and migrant crisis, which had limited direct impact on Ireland but which changed the policy context, as well as to national increases and decreases in asylum applications.
Given Ireland’s peripheral geographical position and recent migration history, it is unlikely that the irregular population in Ireland represents a significant share of the EU total. Reliable statistics on the irregular migrant population in Ireland do not exist and certain problems with data availability make even an estimate difficult.
Among the objectives of this EU-wide study is to present practical approaches, mechanisms and measures developed by the Member States to reduce the number of irregular migrants in the EU. This study outlines current policy relevant to irregular migration, and practical examples of measures taken to address irregular migration. Available national data are provided on the profile of irregular migrants in Ireland.
The Irish visa system is a form of pre-entry clearance to travel to a point of entry in Ireland only. Ireland lies outside the Schengen zone and the issuing of both short and long-term visas is a national competence. The Irish visa system is discretionary, whereby the Minister for Justice and Equality decides whether or not to grant applications for visas. Exceptions relate to beneficiaries of EU Treaty free movement rights. The impact of EU policy and legislation on Irish visa policy is also discussed.
The study looks at cooperation with non-EU countries. Case studies are provided on Irish visa policy and practice in relation to Nigeria and China, including the introduction of a requirement for biometric data to support visa applications in Nigeria and Ireland’s approach to attracting Chinese students while tackling perceived abuses of the student visa system.
Knowledge about circular and temporary migration patterns is limited by the fact that available data sources do not record exits from the State. It is not known how long people who enter the State as temporary migrants stay, or how many make Ireland their permanent home.
Ireland has no immediate plans to introduce formal circular migration programmes. However, there have been significant recent policy developments relevant to temporary migrants, in particular, student migrants are a group for which further policy development is planned.
The Irish employment permits system is described and assessed. It is shown that the system is lightly regulated and employer-led and that it functioned well during the boom in sourcing the workers required. With rising unemployment there are now only very limited skills shortages in Ireland.
Recent changes to the economic permits system in light of the economic downturn are discussed. Employment permit data show that the percentage of employment permits refused more than doubled between 2008 and 2009 while the number of new permits issued fell by 54 per cent in the same period.
The current report builds on work published in 2007 by the EMN on return migration in the widest sense, i.e. comprising forced, assisted voluntary and voluntary return. A similar report will be produced by 23 other participating EMN National Contact Points. A synthesis report will be compiled that will draw together the findings of individual studies and place them in a European context.
A potential conflict was identified between the unaccompanied minor as a protection applicant or person of otherwise undefined legal (immigration) status, versus a minor who should invoke the "best interests of the child" principle.
The report highlighted important findings including the regional nature of service provision and lack of information; lack of suitable accommodation for some minors; insufficient social work supports; lack of clear immigration status for unaccompanied minors; and the lack of follow up on aged out minors.
Just under 4,600 persons were accommodated in the 34 reception centres at the end of 2012 with 244 persons accommodated in the initial reception centre in Dublin. Eight of the 34 reception centres were confined to occupancy by single males with the remainder occupied by a mix of families, single adults and couples at the end of 2012; two centres were self-catering. Some 37 per cent of total residents at end-2012 were aged under 18 years, while 18 per cent were aged under five years.
The report presents information from the Irish contribution to a European Migration Network (EMN) study on The Organisation of Reception Facilities for Asylum Seekers in the different Member States. The aim of the EU-wide EMN study is to gather information on the organisation of reception facilities for applicants for international protection in the EU, identifying good practices and existing mechanisms for efficient, flexible reception facilities whilst maintaining the quality of such reception facilities and controlling costs.
The study investigates: the availability of data on the group; the motivations and circumstances of unaccompanied minors seeking entry to Ireland; the policy and practices at play at the border and when claiming asylum; and the policies and practices in place on age assessment and guardianship. The absence of a clearly defined immigration status for unaccompanied minors is considered and the implications are examined. The application of the law and practices regarding reception and care of unaccompanied minors are also discussed in detail. In addition available information is provided on minors going missing from State care and the situation of unaccompanied minors who turn 18 years of age and therefore potentially ‘age-out’ of the system. The issue of return of unaccompanied minors is examined as one of several possible ‘durable solutions’.
In the global context of record high populations of refugees and displaced persons, the number of refugees resettled to Ireland and to other EU Member States is very low. The overall EU response, as well as the global response to the migrant and refugee crisis has been heavily criticised by NGOs.
From a domestic policy perspective it is notable that Ireland voluntarily pledged more places than recommended under the EU Resettlement Programme. Ireland’s decision to participate in the EU-wide response to the refugee crisis has resulted in an increase in the number of resettled persons foreseen to arrive in Ireland. Accordingly the study is undertaken at a time of expansion for the Irish Refugee Resettlement Programme.
The report indicates that Ireland has shown commitment to a European response to the present crisis. As of November 2016, Ireland had resettled 98 per cent of the 520 refugees pledged under the EU programme, ahead of schedule. The majority of those resettled have been of Syrian origin.
The study finds that Ireland has not developed a system of labour market integration supports, tailored to the needs of refugees. Access by refugees to mainstreamed employment supports is unrestricted. However the provision of targeted integration measures is important because refugees can face specific barriers to participation, including: experiences of trauma, the absence of a social network, gaps in employment and education, and a lack of documentation hindering the recognition of qualifications by employers. Refugees can face also challenges in navigating the system of mainstream service provision.
The report is based on the Irish contribution to an EU-level, European Migration Network (EMN) study on Integration of beneficiaries of international/humanitarian protection into the labour market: policies and good practices in the EU, the synthesis report of which compiles 24 country studies.