News and Events

Deportation of Georgian Nationals

On Friday last, 27 April 2012, in a deportation operation organised through the EU FRONTEX network, 7 persons were removed from Ireland and returned to Georgia.

Deportation of Nigerian Nationals

12 persons were deported from Ireland to Lagos, Nigeria on 18th April 2012 under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999. Ireland was one of a number of EU countries which participated in the deportation operation organised through the EU Frontex Network.

Minister Shatter waives visa requirements for holders of Olympics Accreditation

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter, T.D, has announced that his Department will accept the Olympic accreditation document issued by the London Olympics Organising Committee (LOCOG) to competitors, coaches, officials and media representatives in lieu of an Irish visa.The waiver applies to visits to or transit through Ireland for the period leading up to and during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London this summer.

This initiative further supports the Minister’s objective to restructure the immigration system to encourage and facilitate business and tourism activity. Other such measures include the Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme which has been extended for a further period of four years and the new immigration programmes for investors and entrepreneurs. Read the Minister's Press Release.

Minister Shatter announces extension of Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter, T.D., today announced Government agreement for the extension of the Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme for a further period of four years. This initiative, introduced for the first time last year, was welcomed as a very positive step in encouraging visitors to Ireland. The programme had originally been due to last until the end of October this year but on consideration of a review of the Programme, the Government agreed to extend its duration.

The Minister also announced the following changes to the Programme;
­ Bosnia and Herzegovina will be added to the existing list of 16 countries already covered by the Programme;
­ As a further measure to encourage tourism, the fee for visas will be waived for long-term residents from the countries covered by the Programme who live in the Schengen area. This will be reviewed after six months. Read the Minister's Press Release.

Deportation of Nigerian Nationals

21 persons were deported from Ireland to Lagos, Nigeria on 7th March 2012 under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999. Ireland was one of a number of EU countries which participated in the deportation operation organised through the EU Frontex Network. A number of deportees had serious criminal convictions for offences including theft, drug possession and supply and violent assault.

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.

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.

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