LIMERICK migrant and refugee support organisation Doras has welcomed a government decision to waive immigrant registration fees for survivors of domestic abuse.
However the organisation says more is needed to support those being held hostage by controlling or violent partners.
Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy 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 reside 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 without fear of immigration consequences.
The application for this permission is free.
John Lannon, Doras CEO, said the organisation “welcomes the decision to waive the €300 registration fee for survivors of domestic abuse. On the frontline of our migrant victim support service, we see how abusers routinely weaponise immigration status, fees, and paperwork.”
“Removing this cost will help people leave sooner and more safely. However, a fee waiver is only one piece: survivors also need fast-track income supports and safe accommodation, guaranteed interpreter access and trauma-informed responses across policing, courts and health, and priority legal aid with clear, multilingual guidance.”
Mr Lannon said that Doras is “asking all departments to embed this survivor-centred approach so that no administrative hurdle stands between a victim and safety”.
Speaking at the 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.”
Minister Jim O’Callaghan added that “no one should feel forced to remain in an abusive relationship because of immigration concerns”.
“(Visa) sponsorship does not mean control. Where a sponsoring partner is abusive, survivors can come forward and report abuse to An Garda SÃochána without any fear of losing their
permission to stay.”
