Impact

The Immigrant Council of Ireland was established in 2001 and since then has been proud to drive real and significant change in many areas of Irish law and society. Our continuing work to promote positive integration in society, stop racism, end human trafficking and encourage immigration reforms for all migrant people comes with a track record of success.

Since 2001, Ireland has changed so much. We live in a society where nearly 1 in 8 people living here is not an Irish national. Migration patterns have changed and after centuries of being a nation of emigration, Ireland is getting to grips with being a destination country.

This requires a bit of realignment in our laws, policies and practices to ensure we are reaping the full economic and cultural benefits this brings.

We celebrate the new skills, ideas and economic opportunity that this shift brings, campaigning and lobbying to ensure our laws and policies reflect the needs of this diverse population.

You can read the detail of what we have achieved year-in, year-out here; these are just some of the achievements on behalf of migrant people and their families which we are proud to have worked on.

Supporting People

120,000

Over 120,000 service users supported.

In 2006 we were the first NGO in the immigration sector to achieve the status of Independent Law Centre (we remain 1 of only 2)

Full representation in 45 cases relating to children in 2019

199

Last year alone 199 cases were opened in our Law Centre compared to 169 in 2018.

5,035

In 2019 our dedicated staff answered 5,035 helpline queries

Improvements in the citizenship process in processing times for applications and the introduction of citizenship ceremonies.

Significant immigration reforms, including the introduction of clearer rules and changes that have enhanced the immigration system; and the recognition of rights in the areas of family rights, students’ rights, EU Treaty rights and residency rights.

We research

Documenting

experiences of racism, including the emergence of Islamophobia

Finding

best practice methods to combat sex trafficking and support those affected

Examine emerging trends and issues including fighting racism, new forms of trafficking and exploitation and ensuring our immigration system better meets the needs of migrants and wider society in Ireland.

Publication of a number of ground-breaking pieces of research on topics such as the challenges of integration; family reunification; improving migrant political participation; migrants’ experiences in Ireland; tackling racism; and the experience of migrant children and many more, all of which informed policy and debate.

Advocating for Law and Policy reform

Campaigns

Successful campaigns for the recognition of family rights, students’ rights, EU Treaty rights and residency rights

New Approach

Introduction of the Sexual Offences Act 2017 to help tackle the crime of sex trafficking

Training, education and awareness raising

In 2006 we were the first NGO in the immigration sector to achieve the status of Independent Law Centre (we remain 1 of only 2)

Training

Regular training with the Gardaí on human trafficking

Citizen Information Centre

Regular training with Citizen Information Centre staff nationally

Regular briefings

Regular briefings with political targets on topical issues

3000+

3000+ news items since 2001

Annually running Ireland’s biggest anti-racism campaign since 2013 in partnership with national transport providers.

What we've done

Impact

Supporting People

We research

Advocating for Law and Policy reform

Training, education and awareness raising

Who We Are

What We've Done

How We Work

Governance

Your rights