Key Changes and Benefits

The primary objective of this transition is to allow Gardaí to focus on more operational and enforcement aspects of their work, such as investigations and deportations. Minister McEntee highlighted that this shift is part of a broader strategy to modernise and improve the efficiency of Ireland’s immigration system.

Applicants whose visas are due to expire from 4 November onwards will no longer need to visit a Garda station for renewals. Instead, they can complete the process online via the ISD web portal. This online service, previously available only to residents of Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Limerick, Meath, and Wicklow, is now accessible nationwide.

Investment in Digital Systems

As part of Budget 2025, an additional €25 million has been allocated to the immigration system, with €5 million specifically earmarked for investment in digital systems. This funding aims to modernise the current systems and ensure a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for applicants. The new centralised system will allow applicants to view all their engagements with immigration services on a single platform, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

Background and Implementation

The move towards civilianisation was recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. This recommendation is part of a broader effort to optimise the use of Garda resources and improve the overall efficiency of immigration services. The transition is expected to free up Gardaí to focus on critical tasks that require their expertise and training.

Minister McEntee expressed confidence that this change would significantly benefit both the applicants and the Gardaí. “This transfer of responsibility allows Gardaí to dedicate their time to more pressing operational duties, while applicants can enjoy a more streamlined and efficient renewal process,” she said.

How to Renew Your Visa

For those looking to renew their visas, the process is now more straightforward. Applicants can visit the ISD web portal to complete their renewals online. This change eliminates the need for in-person visits to Garda stations, making the process more convenient and accessible for everyone.

The Department of Justice has also implemented a centralised system to handle all immigration services. This system will provide a comprehensive view of all interactions with immigration services, ensuring that applicants have access to all necessary information in one place.

Additional Details

The civilianisation of immigration permission renewals is part of a broader effort to modernise Ireland’s immigration system. The Department of Justice has established a modernisation programme aimed at transforming its immigration services to make them faster, easier to access, and more efficient for all users. This programme includes replacing legacy immigration management systems with a new platform that offers a single view of an individual’s engagement with all aspects of immigration services.

The new platform is expected to significantly improve customer service capacity, offering comprehensive self-service functionality and enhanced border security capabilities. This modernisation effort is designed to provide a more customer-focused and efficient service, ensuring that applicants have a seamless experience when renewing their immigration permissions.

Minister McEntee emphasised the importance of this transition in the context of broader public service reforms. By civilianising administrative functions, the government aims to optimise the use of Garda resources, allowing them to focus on critical operational duties. This change is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of the immigration system, benefiting both the applicants and the Gardaí.

The Department of Justice has also introduced measures to ensure that the transition to the new system is smooth and efficient. Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the online renewal process and utilise the resources available on the ISD web portal. The Department is committed to providing ongoing support and assistance to ensure that all applicants can navigate the new system with ease.

The designation of a country as “safe” implies that it is generally free from systematic persecution, torture, or inhuman treatment. While individuals from these countries can still apply for international protection in Ireland, they will need to provide compelling evidence to support their claims. Officials stress that the designation of a state as a safe country of origin does not mean that a claim for asylum is inadmissible for anyone coming from that country, or that a person cannot make an application. Instead, it places the onus on the applicant to demonstrate why their case is exceptional and why they are in need of protection.

Currently, Ireland’s safe countries list includes ten other nations: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and South Africa. The introduction of accelerated processing has significantly reduced the number of applications from these countries, with a reported drop of over 50% since the procedures were introduced in November 2022.

Minister McEntee also highlighted an increase in prosecutions and imprisonments of asylum seekers arriving without proper documentation. This move aims to ensure that those in genuine need of protection receive timely assistance while maintaining the integrity of the asylum process. Over 100 people have been prosecuted this year for arriving without appropriate documentation, with more than 80 cases resulting in imprisonment.

The updated list of safe countries is part of Ireland’s broader efforts to manage immigration effectively and provide protection to those who genuinely need it.