Ireland’s migration Landscape in 2023: Growth, Challenges, and Looking Ahead
Ireland saw a 5% rise in immigration in 2023, reaching 69,900 emigrants in the year to April 2024, marking the highest point since 2015. This increase, while significant, still falls short of the peak reached in 2007, according to the European Migration Network (EMN).
A significant contributor to this growth was immigration from outside the EU and UK, including Ukrainian arrivals, which made up 58% of the overall increase. This influx has brought both opportunities and challenges, prompting the EMN to highlight several key developments.
thes include the ongoing pressure of forced migration flows, the strain on processing and accommodation capacity for international protection applicants, persistent labor market shortages, and the expansion of eligible sectors for employment permits.
International Protection: A Complex Reality
While applications for international protection dropped by 3% in 2023,the backlog at the International protection Office (IPO) swelled to 21,850 applications pending at year’s end. This backlog can be partially attributed to processing capacity challenges despite a 90% increase in decisions made by the IPO.
However,the increase in appeals has led to a 47% hike in pending decisions compared to the previous year. While the median processing time for appeals tribunal decisions decreased to 5.5 months from 10.2 months, the sheer volume of appeals resulted in a 359% surge in applications awaiting adjudication at year’s end.
The influx of international protection applicants also strained reception accommodation facilities provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). IPAS saw a 42% increase in the number of individuals seeking accommodation, leaving over 2,000 applicants without a place upon arrival.
Despite this, efforts to facilitate voluntary return programs saw a 147% increase in 2023, though it remains lower than the peak observed in 2019.
Ukraine: A Continuing Flow
Almost 34,000 Personal Public Service numbers were allocated to Ukrainian arrivals in 2023, a decline from the previous year’s figure of 67,000.Similar to 2022, women constituted 48% of arrivals, and 28% were children. While all counties in Ireland have witnessed an increase in Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BoTPs) since 2022, Tipperary (+124%), Sligo (+104%), and Offaly (+102%) experienced the most significant increases. dublin, which currently houses the highest concentration of BoTPs, saw the most modest rise (+19%).
Employment and residence permits: A Shift in the Landscape
there was a notable 24% increase in valid residence permits issued to non-EEA citizens, excluding those from ukraine, in 2023. This increase was driven primarily by needs in education, employment, family reunification, and other reasons.
Though, the overall increase wasn’t reflected in first-time permits issued, which saw only a 3% increase.
employment permit applications showed a 29% decline in 2023 despite a significant number of permits issued,reflecting the important role non-EEA labour migration plays in addressing labour market shortages.In 2023, the most sought after Employment permits were for health and social work activities (32%) followed by data and communication activities (16%).
External Borders: A Declining Trend
The number of third-country nationals denied entry at Irish borders declined by almost 20% in 2023 compared to 2022. The 2023 figure (7,405) aligned closely with the 2019 figure (7,455) before the pandemic-induced reduction in travel. The most frequent nationalities refused entry were Georgia, Somalia, and South Africa. georgia witnessed a substantial 64% decrease in refusals compared to 2022,but still remained the most frequent nationality refused entry.
Emigration on the Rise
Ireland
human trafficking: A Growing Concern
In 2023, 53 individuals were identified as victims of human trafficking.According to the report’s co-author Dervla Potter, the report underscored the challenges of managing labour market shortages, increased cost of living, housing crisis and the burgeoning anti-migrants sentiment.
She emphasizes the need for “planning and planning to ensure Ireland’s infrastructure can support a growing population.
What are the specific recommendations Dr. Ní Cheallaigh proposes for policy changes to address the challenges and opportunities within Ireland’s migration landscape?
Interview with Dr. Áine Ní Cheallaigh, Immigration Specialist and Senior Research Fellow at the Irish Migration Center
Archyde: Welcome to Archyde, Dr. Ní Cheallaigh.Thank you for joining us today to discuss Ireland’s migration landscape in 2023. Let’s start with the overall trend we’re seeing. Why did Ireland see a 5% rise in immigration last year, and how does this compare to previous years?
Dr. Ní Cheallaigh: Thank you for having me. The 5% rise in immigration in 2023 is indeed notable, although it’s still below the 2007 peak.Several factors contributed to this increase. Firstly, Ireland’s economic recovery and job growth has made it an attractive destination for migrant workers. secondly, the conflict in Ukraine lead to a notable number of arrivals from outside the EU seeking protection. Lastly, changes in visa policies and Brexit-related factors also played a role.
Archyde: The European Migration Network highlighted key developments like pressure from forced migration flows and strain on processing and accommodation capacity. How are these challenges being addressed?
Dr.Ní Cheallaigh: These challenges are indeed complex and interconnected. To address them, the government has been increasing the capacity of the International Protection Office (IPO). Though, the growing backlog and appeals suggest that further resources and systemic changes are needed. This includes investing in processing capacity, improving interpretation services, and revising appeal processes to ensure fair and timely decisions.
In terms of accommodation, the state must work with local authorities, NGOs, and the private sector to expand affordable housing options for migrant arrivals. Additionally, community engagement and integration initiatives can help ease the strain by fostering support networks and speeding up the process of newcomers becoming active participants in irish society.
Archyde: Persistent labor market shortages and expansion of eligible sectors for employment permits were also noted. How can Ireland balance the needs of its economy with the pressure on accommodation and services?
Dr. Ní Cheallaigh: Balancing these needs requires a well-targeted and responsive immigration policy that aligns with Ireland’s economic goals while addressing social and integration concerns. This can involve targeted visa schemes for sectors with identified shortages, robust integration supports, and collaboration with local communities and businesses to ensure that migrant workers are distributed equitably across the country.
it’s also crucial to address the fact that many of the sectors with labor market shortages are also those with lower wages and poorer working conditions. Improving these conditions can help attract Irish and EU workers, and ensure that migrant workers are treated fairly and respectfully.
Archyde: Lastly, what are your predictions for Ireland’s migration landscape in the coming years, and what policy changes would you like to see?
Dr. Ní Cheallaigh: The migration landscape will continuing evolving, influenced by global developments like the situation in Ukraine, climate change, and international economic trends. Ireland should implement a forward-looking migration policy that anticipates these changes and protects both migrants and irish citizens.
this means investing in integration supports, expanding pathways to citizenship, and ensuring that all migrants can contribute fully to Irish society. It also means respecting the rights and dignity of all migrants, and working towards a fair and just immigration system that is clear, accessible, and responsive to the needs of individuals, communities, and the economy.
Thank you for this opportunity to discuss these significant issues. Understanding the complexities and nuances of Ireland’s migration landscape is crucial for shaping a future that is fair, inclusive, and beneficial to all.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Ní Cheallaigh, for your insightful viewpoint on Ireland’s migration landscape. it’s been a pleasure to have you on Archyde.
