Ireland’s government is moving to significantly tighten its migration and asylum rules, with new proposals debated in Cabinet today. Changes include increasing the required residency period for international protection applicants seeking naturalization from three to five years. The government justifies the shift by citing obligations under the EU Migration Pact and the need to align with UK reforms. Critics argue that these are “anti-integration measures” that will negatively impact vulnerable people and could inadvertently bolster anti-immigrant sentiment.
November 26, 2025 thejournal.ie