Immigration permit backlog cutting people off from State supports

The GNIB immigration queue outside Anglesea Street Garda Station last October. Now, people are given an appointment via email, with some waiting weeks to be seen.

NGOs who work with refugees and immigrants have called for a clearer and cross-departmental approach to solving the immigration permits backlog, which has seen people waiting weeks to receive an appointment to renew their permission to stay in the State.

While the Department of Justice has granted extensions until January 2021, other government departments are asking people to have an up-to-date Immigration Residence Permit (IRP) or Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) card to avail of services.