Immigration fees waived for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Victims of domestic abuse will not be required to pay the immigration registration fee of €300.

Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy has signed into effect regulations to facilitate arrangements for survivors and victims of domestic abuse which exempts them from immigration registration fees.

Under the immigration guidelines anyone who experiences domestic abuse and whose permission to be in Ireland is linked to the perpetrator of that abuse, can apply to the Immigration Service for a separate independent immigration permission. Providing a

separate and independent permission removes barriers for people to leave abusive relationships or unsafe family environments. The application for this permission is free and requests are dealt with sensitively by the immigration authorities.

When a person applies for a residency permit, they are required to pay a registration fee. Exemptions from the registration fee are provided by law, while some survivors and victims were already exempt under the previous Regulations, Minister of State Brophy has now amended these regulations to expressly include survivors and victims of domestic violence granted an independent permission.

Both Minister Brophy and Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan are committed to protecting victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence as a matter of priority and consequently encourages people to come forward and access State support services where previously they may have been hesitant to do so.

On today’s announcement Minister Brophy said:

“We know people who are subject to domestic abuse are particularly vulnerable when they are dependent on their partner sponsoring their immigration permission. With this change we are removing a financial barrier to them seeking help.

“I can assure people that reports of domestic abuse are handled with care and sensitively by officials and the Immigration Service take steps to protect victims who are still in abusive relationships who apply. Domestic violence should always be reported, and you do not have to remain in an abusive relationship to stay in Ireland”.

Commenting today’s announcement, Minister Jim O’Callaghan stated:

“No one should feel forced to remain in an abusive relationship because of immigration concerns. Sponsorship does not mean control. Where a sponsoring partner is abusive, survivors can come forward and report abuse to An Garda Síochána without any fear of losing their permission to stay.

“Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence remains one of the most serious challenges facing our society. The Government is unwavering in its commitment to a zero-tolerance approach when confronting this issue.”

The CEO of Cuan, Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, added:

“I want to thank the Minister and his Department for their work on these changes to the immigration arrangements for survivors and victims of domestic abuse. The removal of registration fees is a practical step to supporting vulnerable people, ensuring they are not tied to their abusers. I want to encourage all victims to contact An Garda Síochána and their local domestic violence support service. Support will always be here for you.”