Zhang, Meishan (2025) Chinese-speaking Immigrants' Experience Navigating Ireland’s 2022 Regularisation of Long-Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme. Maynooth University, Maynooth. ISBN 978-1-906485-29-0
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Abstract
The 2022 Regularisation Scheme for Long-Term Undocumented Migrants in Ireland marked a turning point in the country’s immigration policy, offering thousands of individuals a long-awaited opportunity to secure legal status. For Chinese-speaking migrants, the scheme has been life-changing, enabling them to reunite with their families, achieve greater financial stability, and regain a sense of security and belonging. However, as this report highlights, the path to full integration remains complex, requiring ongoing policy improvements and targeted support.
This study finds that while the Regularisation Scheme was greatly needed and appreciated, it has eased many of the immediate stresses associated with being undocumented; however, deeper challenges persist. Language barriers and limited digital literacy continue to restrict access to essential services, employment opportunities, and legal protections. Housing insecurity, restrictive family reunification rules, and gaps in healthcare access further complicate the lives of those who have secured legal status, underscoring the need for more inclusive policies. Additionally, a lack of awareness about rights and entitlements among newly regularised migrants underlines the importance for better information-sharing and community outreach.
The experiences of Chinese-speaking migrants navigating the scheme also highlight the essential role played by social networks, NGOs, and ethnic media. These support systems have been crucial in helping individuals understand the application process, access legal assistance, and overcome bureaucratic hurdles. At the same time, the reliance on these networks reveals a larger issue: the lack of linguistically and culturally accessible services within government institutions.
Looking ahead, this report outlines key recommendations to build on the successes of the Regularisation Scheme while addressing existing gaps. Simplifying application procedures, expanding language and digital literacy programs, and improving family reunification policies will help ensure a more welcoming and supportive environment for all migrants. Strengthening the role of NGOs and community organisations, particularly in underserved areas, will be essential in ensuring that no one is left behind. Meanwhile, greater oversight of commercial immigration agents and improved access to legal aid will help protect vulnerable individuals from misinformation and exploitation. It also calls for the establishment of a formal, transparent policy review mechanism to regularly assess and adapt immigration policies to evolving migrant needs.
Ultimately, the Regularisation Scheme is about more than just legal status—it is about restoring dignity, fostering inclusion, and enabling migrants to fully participate in Irish society. As Ireland continues to navigate the complexities of migration and integration, policymakers, service providers, and community organisations must work together to remove systemic barriers and ensure that the full promise of the Regularisation Scheme is realised.
In conclusion, the 2022 Regularisation Scheme represents a significant step toward justice and inclusion for undocumented migrants in Ireland. However, its long-term success will hinge on ongoing efforts to address structural inequalities and foster a society where all individuals, regardless of their background, can flourish and experience a true sense of belonging.
Item Type: | Book |
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Academic Unit: | Faculty of Social Sciences > Sociology |
Item ID: | 20477 |
Identification Number: | 10.48460/MU.MURAL.00020477 |
Depositing User: | Fran Callaghan |
Date Deposited: | 01 Oct 2025 12:43 |
Publisher: | Maynooth University |
Refereed: | Yes |
URI: | https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/20477 |
Use Licence: | This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here |
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