By Uglobal Staff
Thousands of undocumented migrants in Ireland are being a given a chance to become citizens via naturalization under a new program, which the country's minister termed as a "once in a generation" opportunity.
The Irish Department of Justice, which announced the new program on January 31, estimates that around 17,000 undocumented migrants and their families currently residing in Ireland would be able to avail the six-month window to become eligible for the path towards citizenship.
In a statement, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the program was aimed at helping undocumented people living on the margins of society to get a better chance at life and work opportunities.
“I am delighted to now be able to open the once-in-a-generation scheme for long-term undocumented migrants and their family members living in Ireland...
"This scheme will provide an opportunity for those who meet its criteria to remain and reside in the State and to become part of mainstream Irish society rather than living on its margins,” McEntee said.
The program is open to all undocumented migrants who have been living in the country for four years; those with children are eligible if they have been living in Ireland for three years.
Spouses and children (up to 23 years) of the main applicant will be eligible under the same application.
Initially, the successful applicant would be granted a Stamp 4 immigration permission that would allow them to legally work in the country; they would eventually be granted Irish citizenship after they live in the country on this particular permission for some years, according to the ministerial statement.
Applications for the undocumented migrants will remain open on the website (https://inisonline.jahs.ie) until July 31, 2022.
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