News and Events

Shatter announces two new initiatives: Immigrant Investor Programme and Start-up Entrepreneur Scheme

The Minister for Justice, Equality & Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter, TD, today announced Government approval for the introduction of two major new immigration initiatives aimed at facilitating (non EEA) migrant entrepreneurs and investors who, in return for permission to reside in the State, are prepared to invest here for the purpose of saving or creating jobs. The new initiatives will be known as The Immigrant Investor Programme and The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme. Read the Minister's Press Release.

Immigration in Ireland 2011 – a year-end snapshot – major changes and more to follow

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, TD, has today published key figures on immigration related activity in Ireland in 2011. He also signalled his broad plans for further significant reforms of the immigration system in 2012. Read the Minister's Press Release.

Ireland-UK agreement to further secure the Common Travel Area

Minister Shatter has signed an agreement with the UK Minister for Immigration reinforcing Ireland and the UK's commitment to preserving the Common Travel Area and to take joint action to tackle immigration abuses. This will include the exchange of information such as fingerprints and biographical details on visa applicants, particularly from high risk countries. Read the Minister's Press Statement. Read the Joint Agreement.

Deportation of Nigerian Nationals 

On 14 December 2011, 19 persons were removed from Ireland to Lagos, Nigeria, under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999. Ireland was one of a number of countries which participated in the deportation operation which was organised therough the EU Frontex Network.

Deportation of Pakistan Nationals

On 24 November 2011, 13 persons were removed from Ireland to Pakistan under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 as part of an operation organised through the European Union FRONTEX network.

Application Fee for Citizenship Applications

An application fee for all applications for a Certificate of Naturalisation has been introduced with effect from 10 November 2011.

Read the Minister's Press Release.

Further information is also available through this link to Application Forms and guidance notes.

Information note for customers regarding changes to Referencing Numbering under a new INIS Information Technology System

A new Information Technology system is being introduced in INIS which will replace the existing file numbering system with a new single approach to case numbering. Read about the new system - Information note.

Changes to citizenship application processing announced

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, on 16 June 2011 provided details of a package of measures aimed at reforming the processing of citizenship applications.

The new initiatives which are currently being implemented will mean that, save in exceptional circumstances, persons applying for citizenship will be given a decision on their application within six months. The reforms also include the introduction of a citizenship ceremony which will serve to elevate the status of the granting of Irish citizenship and celebrate a major event in the lives of immigrants.

Read Minister Shatter's Press Release.

Holiday and other Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme

Ireland's first formal visa waiver programme came into effect on 1 July 2011.

From 1 July 2011, nationals from 16 countries who obtain a visa to enter the UK for a short term visit and wish to travel from there to Ireland will not require an additional visa for Ireland.

The countries to whom the scheme applies are as follows –

• Eastern Europe: Belarus, Montenegro, Russian Federation, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine
• Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
• Other Asian: India, Kazakhstan, Peoples Republic of China , Uzbekistan

The programme forms a central part of the new Government’s Tourism policy and Job Creation Initiative.

Read more about the scheme on our Visa Waiver Programme Information Note.

Notice of Final Extension of Residence for Timed-Out Students who first registered in Ireland between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2005 

Special Extension of Residence for Timed-Out Students from 1 October 2011 

Visa Decisions can be found here