Ireland’s head of government has appointed a new immigration minister, a move that should jump-start efforts to begin the long-awaited overhaul of the country’s immigration system.

David Stanton was appointed as Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration, and is expected to play a key role in helping the government implement wide-ranging immigration reform that touches on visa processing, residence and removal procedures, and refugee policy.

No changes have yet been implemented. The bill in question – the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2010 – was passed by both houses of Ireland’s legislature, but the government has yet to issue a statutory instrument to implement the legislation.

Among other changes, the bill would establish a new statutory basis for making and determining visa applications, including a process for seeking review of visa denials.  The bill would not have any major impacts on the work permit process, which is handled by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

BAL Analysis: While the appointment of a new immigration minister is expected to commence long-awaited immigration reform in Ireland, no changes have yet been made. BAL will monitor events in Ireland and report to clients on any significant changes to the country’s immigration system or processes.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.

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