58 groups object on immigration bill

UP to 58 organisations have raised concerns about the immigration bill, including human rights, foreign and women’s rights groups.

A report released yesterday outlined objections to the radical legislation, credited with being the biggest reform of immigration legislation in the state’s history.

Muslims said they were worried the bill required foreign nationals to carry new permit cards and this was an infringement of civil liberty.

The new law would seriously limit the freedom for Irish citizens to marry non-EU nationals and bring their spouses into the country. Family members needed to be guaranteed residency rights under the bill, the group’s submission said.

Akidwa, which represents African women living in Ireland, said gender-sensitive issues were not included in the new Bill. Issues relating specifically to females needed to be defined in the new law including rape, infanticide, genital mutilation, bride burning and forced marriage. Officials working in the Department of Justice need to be educated about such issues, she added.

Other concerns have been raised by the Immigrant Council of Ireland, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the UNHCR.

The Equality Authority wants special efforts in law that require state bodies to identify victims of human trafficking. Such people must be offered a “reflection period” before being repatriated home with access to legal help and counselling.

The Equality Authority also wants recognition for foreign same-sex couples to be equivalent to that given to heterosexual partners in the immigration process.

The Immigrant Control Platform, meanwhile are opposed to a softening of immigration measures.

The Law Society of Ireland in its 84-page submission, said it had “very serious concerns”, including a penalty for lawyers who take cases that may be considered “frivolous or vexatious”.

TDs began debating amendments yesterday.