Visa-Free Travel to Ireland Temporarily Suspended for Migrants
The Irish government has extended the temporary suspension of visa-free travel to Ireland for migrants, including recognized refugees. The decision comes in response to evidence of individuals applying for asylum in Ireland despite having already obtained refugee status in other European countries. This measure aims to maintain the integrity of Ireland’s immigration system, alleviate strain on existing systems, and ensure that those genuinely in need of protection can receive it promptly.
The visa waiver agreement for refugees, established by the Council of Europe, will be subject to review within the next 12 months. This review will enable policymakers to assess the effectiveness and impact of the temporary moratorium on visa-free travel.
Last year, the government committed to reviewing the suspension within a year, acknowledging the need to address the unprecedented pressures on the country’s international protection system. While this decision was not taken lightly, it is perceived as the appropriate step to safeguard Ireland’s immigration procedures and prevent undue strain on an already burdened system. The visa waiver regime for individuals fleeing the conflict in Ukraine remains unaffected.
Commenting on the decision, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Micheál Martin, stated, This decision has been taken by the Government in the context of unprecedented pressures on our international protection system. It is not a decision taken lightly, but it is the right one for Ireland at this time to ensure the integrity of our immigration system, to avoid any undue pressure on systems that are already under strain, and to make sure that those who need protection in Ireland can get it and get it quickly.
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, emphasized that the move was a carefully considered decision to protect the integrity of Ireland’s immigration system given the ongoing pressures on the international protection and accommodation systems. Minister McEntee reassured that Ireland remains committed to upholding its international and EU obligations towards international protection applicants and refugees, as demonstrated by the visa waiver provided for people fleeing Ukraine.
The government’s rationale behind the extended suspension centers around the necessity to address the existing challenges faced by the international protection system in Ireland. By requiring recognized refugees to obtain visas instead of relying on visa-free travel using Convention travel documents, the aim is to better manage the process, ensuring that those in genuine need of protection can access it quickly while upholding the integrity of Ireland’s immigration system.
This measure will be subject to review within the next 12 months, during which policymakers will evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the temporary moratorium. The decision to extend the suspension aligns with the government’s commitment to maintaining an immigration system that is fair, efficient, and capable of meeting the needs of those seeking refuge in Ireland.
