A scheme aimed at regularising the position of undocumented migrants in Ireland, which was announced last month, has now opened for applications.

The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee (pictured) has described the measure a ‘once-in-a-generation' scheme to enable people to remain and reside in the State, and to regularise their residency status.

“I firmly believe this scheme will improve the lives of thousands of people across the country who contribute to our society, enrich our culture and work in our economy, but unfortunately still live in the legal shadows,” the minister said.

Path to citizenship

Applicants must have a period of four years of undocumented residence in the State, or three years in the case of those with children.

They will be allowed to include a spouse, civil partner or de facto partner, and eligible children aged 18-23, who must have been living with the principal applicant for two years before the opening date of the scheme.

Those who are successful will receive immigration permission, and access to the labour market, while they will also be able to begin a path to citizenship.

Communications campaign

People with an existing deportation order can apply, while applicants must meet “standards regarding good character and criminal record/behaviour, and not pose a threat to the State”.

Those with expired student permissions will also be eligible.

The Department of Justice is planning a targeted communications campaign during the six-month window, aimed at reaching those most likely to benefit from the measure.

Online applications are now being accepted for six months until 31 July, when the scheme will close.