MRCI has been working with undocumented migrants since it was founded in 2001. We started by supporting people who fell out of the employment permit system. In response to growing numbers of undocumented people accessing the Drop-In Centre, and the clear need for a comprehensive solution MRCI helped undocumented people come together to form the Justice for the Undocumented Campaign group (JFU) in 2010.

JFU members have taken action many times over the 9 years, with undocumented people bravely coming forward and showing their faces in marches, vigils, banner drops, selfies, press conferences and even contributing to parliamentary debates

We have been part of a long tough campaign and will continue the fight until all undocumented people get a legal status. Our campaign has already had its fair share of wins

1. Bridging Visa
   We won the right for undocumented people who previously held a work permit to apply for a new one.

2. Student Scheme
   We won a scheme that allowed undocumented people who came as students between 2005 & 2010 to apply for a legal status. Over 3,000 people got their status through this scheme.

JFU is made up of over 1,700 undocumented migrants and is growing daily. The JFU strategy group meets regularly and, with the support of MRCI, plans actions and develops campaign strategies. We also work hard to share information with other undocumented people about rights and entitlements here in Ireland. Right now, JFU is campaigning for a broad and inclusive regularisation scheme to be introduced for Ireland’s undocumented people.

The new Government has committed to introducing this scheme within 18 months of taking office. Undocumented people need this solution urgently and JFU and MRCI will be doing everything in our power to ensure this life changing scheme is implemented as soon as possible.