World Immigration News

Ireland's immigration law 'could become one of Europe's most severe'

Release Date: 2026-01-23
Media: Irish Examiner
Summary: Activists and immigration lawyers warn that proposed Irish reforms could make Ireland one of Europe’s most restrictive countries for people fleeing war and persecution.

Their main concern is a major curtailment of judicial review in immigration and asylum cases: moving reviews from the High Court to the Circuit Court would, they argue, make it far harder to challenge wrongful decisions in legally complex cases involving EU, constitutional, administrative, and human rights law—potentially with life-or-death consequences.

The government is also planning to tighten family reunification, including a proposed three-year waiting period for refugees to bring spouses, partners, and children, alongside stricter financial thresholds. NGOs say this would be unusually severe by European standards and could keep families separated for years, increasing risks for relatives left in danger.

Civil society groups further object to proposals that introduce border detention—including the possibility of detaining children—calling it incompatible with children’s rights and Ireland’s values. They stress that family reunification is a core protection and integration measure and that any restrictions should be clearly legislated and fully scrutinized by parliament.
Tags: Ireland

Released on

Article Title