ICI reports huge rise in queries from immigrants
10/11/2005 - 07:20:47The Immigrant Council of Ireland has reported a huge surge in demand for its information and support services.
The council said 4,500 people sought help in the year to end of July, a 72% increase on the figures for the previous 12-month period.
More than 50% of queries were from immigrants hoping to gain longer-term or permanent residency rights, mainly people on work permits who have put down roots in Ireland.
A large number of queries also related to people wanting to bring their spouse, children or another family member to live with them in Ireland.
The ICI said the increasing numbers of immigrants seeking help demonstrated high levels of confusion about the Government's haphazard immigration policy.
