Your rights! applauds the announcement by the Minister of Justice, Helen McEntee, of a scheme to regularize undocumented migrants, and hopes that it will benefit the greatest possible number of people and families who have made Ireland their home. This of course goes for all migrants and as a representative of the Brazilian community we are especially delighted for irregular migrants belonging to the Brazilian community in Ireland.

This initiative has been fought for by MRCI (Migrant Rights Centre Ireland) for more than a decade! This scheme (which will be limited in time and open for some months to come) is part of the Department of Justice’s 2021 Plan of Action. The initial criteria proposed by the Government are still being discussed and have not yet been clearly defined.

On Monday, April 26, via Webinar, we were happy to hear from Justice Department officials about proposals and plans. A timeframe has now been opened for stakeholders to discuss possible amendments and improvements to the considered criteria for applicants. This consultation process is ongoing.

Your rights! is providing considered and well-informed feedback to the Ministry of Justice in the next few days to provide our opinions and suggestions regarding the eligibility terms for the scheme. As a stakeholder in developments, we hope to someday see the undocumented Brazilian community achieve their visa status, guaranteeing access to the labor market without the need for a work permit, and having a path to naturalisation and citizenship.

Many Brazilians and undocumented families have contacted Your Rights! often in apparent despair, to assist them in regularising their immigration status – not only for them, but also for their family members living in Ireland. In many cases, we hear from parents of children born in Ireland who do not have access to public services, including essential health services.

In addition to the lack of adequate health care, undocumented migrants live in a state of vulnerability and insecurity, including – but not limited to – exploitation by employers, or being victims of crime, but afraid to seek help from the authorities for fear of being deported.

If you are an undocumented person, or know someone who is, please contact us, summarising your history and circumstances in Ireland (with dates), via email: info@yourrights.ie

We promise to treat your life situation with compassion and confidentiality.