Press & Media

RIS condemns new fee for long term residency

26.8.2009

The Refugee Information Service (RIS) has questioned the decision by Government through the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern, TD, to impose an arbitrary new €500 fee on non-EEA migrants applying for Long Term Residency in Ireland.  The Long Term Residency (Fees) Regulations 2009  is effective 7th September.  Apart from investing in the State through payment of taxes, non-EEA migrants also pay a number of fees to Government.  These include €500 annually for work permits, €100 for annual re-entry visas and €150 for GNIB Registration Cards.  

 

Josephine Ahern, CEO said: “The RIS finds this development inequitable. For Government to introduce this new fee for migrant workers at this challenging time and when many people are struggling to support themselves and their families just adds to their economic burden. The fee is also highly questionable given that non-EEA migrants have been at the receiving end of a less than satisfactory service for some time and given that it currently takes more than two years to process a Long Term Residency application.”

The RIS feels strongly that Government ought to reconsider its decision on the new Regulations.

 


Note to Editors

About the Refugee Information Service (RIS)
The RIS specializes in the areas of international protection and the integration of migrants in Ireland. It provides specialist information, advice, advocacy and referral services for people who seek asylum and refugee status in Ireland.


Operational since 1998, the RIS works with individuals and families, and with government, the private sector, international and other non-government agencies to ensure that once a person has refugee status, they are able to access their legal rights and entitlements, including reunification with their families. The RIS also provides a nationwide training service and conducts research to influence policy and legislation.

 

Contact: Femi Atoyebi, on 01 645 3087; Refugee Information Service (RIS), 1st and 2nd Floors, 18 Dame Street ,Dublin 2 or femi@ris.ie