Enforce the law - Sham marriages

High Court Judge Richard Humphreys has done the State some service by shedding light on the growing phenomenon of sham marriages entered into by foreign nationals seeking right of residence in Ireland.

In a judgement yesterday concerning a 45-year-old Algerian man who had challenged a deportation order, Judge Humphreys used refreshingly plain language to outline why the State should prevent and revoke bogus marriages.

“I appreciate that love is, of course, blind but it is nonetheless disturbing to note how frequently applicants become regarded as ‘a good catch’ shortly after being served with deportation orders,” he said.