Ireland cannot be an outlier on asylum as other countries tighten rules, Taoiseach says

"The Taoiseach has said Ireland cannot be an outlier on immigration when other western countries are cracking down on entitlements for asylum seekers."

"Speaking in Africa, Micheál Martin did not deny reports about tightened social protection eligibility and restrictions to Irish citizenship for those who have been receiving welfare payments long term."

Ireland will not remain an outlier on immigration as other Western countries tighten entitlements for asylum seekers. The country is moving toward stricter social protection eligibility and narrower routes to Irish citizenship for individuals who have relied on welfare for extended periods. Eligibility criteria for state payments may be tightened and long-standing welfare recipients may face limits when applying for naturalization. These measures reflect a policy shift to align immigration, welfare and citizenship rules with broader international trends emphasizing reduced entitlements for migrants and greater restrictions on access to social supports and citizenship.

Read at Independent