Immigration Policy
Immigration and Citizenship Policy Unit is responsible for the development of immigration and citizenship policy and proposals for legislative change in this area. It also participates in international fora on immigration policy issues, in particular in relation to the development of immigration policy at European Union level.
General
From 1 January 2007, on the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU, citizens of these countries are covered by the provisions of the European Free Movement of Persons Directive. They will have the same rights of access to Ireland as a citizen of an existing EU member state with the exception of access to the labour market. These EU free movement rights are provided for in Irish law through regulations made by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The regulations are the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No. 2) Regulations 2006, signed by the Minister on 18 December 2006.
Visas
From 1 January 2007 Bulgarian and Romanian citizens do not require visas to enter Ireland. Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, like those of other EU member states, will simply have to produce their passport or national identity card at the border.
Registration
In common with some other EU member states, it will not be necessary for Bulgarian or Romanian citizens to register their presence in the State. This applies both to new arrivals and to those already here. Consequently no fees will be payable. Non-EEA family members of Bulgarian and Romanian citizens are required to register if the family member intends to say in the State for longer than 3 months.
Residence
A Bulgarian or Romanian citizen can remain in Ireland for up to 3 months without conditions. For stays longer than 3 months the citizen must either:-
- be in employment or self-employed in the State, or
- have sufficient resources to support himself or herself and family members and have comprehensive sickness insurance in respect of himself or herself and family, or
- be enrolled as a student in the State (including on vocational training) and have comprehensive sickness insurance in respect of himself or herself and family, or
- be a family member accompanying or joining a Union citizen who satisfies one or more of the conditions referred to in clause 1, 2 or 3.
Employment
For the initial two years of accession (subject to review before the end of that time) Bulgarian and Romanian citizens will continue to require work permits as heretofore. However, this requirement will not apply in the case of
- Persons already exempt by virtue of their existing residence status (in particular those with a Stamp 4 on their passports)
- Persons who have been working legally (i.e. with work permit or work authorisation) for a 12 month period.
More details on the employment provisions can be obtained from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Persons Currently Subject to Deportation Orders
Deportation orders previously issued remain in force. However, it is open to a person the subject of such an order to apply in writing to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for the order to be revoked. In consideration of such applications the circumstances in which the order was made will be taken into account. There is a distinction in this regard between those deported for purely immigration matters and those who had committed a criminal offence.
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