Immigration and Visas
Response to International Education Strategy and New Immigration Regime
December 2010
While satisfied with the broad thrust of the Government’s new strategy and policies, ICOS would like to take this opportunity to comment on some of the proposed measures which the organisation feels need further elaboration or should be reviewed or strengthened.
» ICOS official response to International Education Strategy and New Immigration Regime
Proposed new immigration regime for full-time non-EEA students
October 2009
ICOS responded to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) over a proposed new immigration regime for full-time non-EEA students, which included more than 20 specific measures, including capping the length of time a person can spend in Ireland as a student, introducing a two tier system "to facilitate the targeting of incentives towards the upper end of the academic spectrum", a tighter inspection regime, possible changes in respect of visas and new guidelines on work placement or internship.
» ICOS submission to INIS on proposed new immigration regime for full-time non-EEA students
Response to outline proposal on internships/placements
January 2009
ICOS responded to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (DoJELR) over proposals for the future treatment of internships and work placements which are part of academic programmes.
» ICOS response to Department of Justice proposals on internships within academic programmes
Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008
Submission to Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights
March 2008
ICOS welcomes the Government’s initiative through the publication of this Bill to introduce much needed reform to our Immigration and Protection system and the organisation appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the discussion. ICOS believes that immigration into this country is a permanent and positive reality and supports any attempt to make our immigration policies more transparent, accessible, and respectful of the human rights of all prospective migrants including international students. ICOS will focus its comments on elements of the proposals that impact on immigration for the purposes of study. Comments are summarised the following headings: Customer Service, Clarity regarding regulations, Lawful and Unlawful presence in the State,Visa approvals and reviews, Pre-clearance for visa exempt nationals, Family Reunification planning to stay for over 3 months
» ICOS response to the Immigration and Residence Protection Bill 2008
Response to the Government's Outline Proposals for an Immigration and Residence Bill
July 2005
The Minister for Education and Science has emphasized the need to recruit more international students and ICOS welcomes the Government's intention that the immigration system should support the education sector in attracting more international students to Ireland. In this context it is important to remember that international students bring many benefits to this country and to our host institutions. Although revenue created as a result of international education is a factor to consider, these benefits go well beyond commercial considerations. Transparent and consistent rules and efficient processing of genuine applications will all have an impact on Ireland's ability to recruit these students and to gain comparative advantage in what is a very competitive world market. Other factors such as access to the labour market and rules governing the admission and work rights of spouses will also be important in attracting or deterring international students.