A bit Irish: Government accused of contradictory policies for migrants

THE Government has been accused of promoting contradictory policies over the issue of undocumented migrants.

While ministers lobby for citizenship for 50,000 Irish people in the US, the Migrants Rights Centre of Ireland claimed people in the same position here were being told to leave the country.

It accused the state of ignoring the glaring similarities between the two groups of migrant workers. The findings are part of Living in the Shadows: An Exploration of Irregular Migration in Ireland, the first in-depth study on undocumented migrants here.

Former UN high commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson launched the report and warned of the challenge facing Ireland.

“Ireland prides itself on its track record in promoting human rights across the globe. We are now challenged to respond to the situation of undocumented and irregular migrants in Ireland in a way that is consistent with our human rights commitments.”

The authors urged the Government to take action to provide pathways to regularise these migrants.

“Not only will this contribute to a reduction in irregular migration, it will place the Irish government in a stronger position to help the undocumented Irish in the US,” the report said.

The centre made a series of recommendations.

* Introduction of a temporary, six-month bridging visa or stamp for non-EU/EEA nationals with valid work permits, but have not secured regular status.

* Greater flexibility and mobility within the immigration system to allow workers to transfer between schemes and statuses.

* Give undocumented migrant workers access to healthcare.

* Protections for the victims of all forms of trafficking.