Govt planning crackdown on migrants who overstay visas
12/09/2005 - 08:25:24The Government is reportedly planning new measures to crack down on migrant workers who bring their families to Ireland illegally.
Reports this morning said all future migrants into the state would be required to pay a deposit or bond under proposals being drawn up by the Department of Justice.
The reports said any migrant who overstayed their visa or subsequently became dependent on state funds would then forfeit this bond.
The measure is targeted at the families of migrant workers who come to Ireland on holiday visas and stay after the visas expire.
Immigrant groups have criticised the planned crackdown, saying it sends a signal that Ireland is not interested in migrant workers as human beings, but simply as a source of labour.
