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 1500 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 undocumented people about their rights and entitlements here in Ireland. Right now JFU is campaigning for the government to allow undocumented workers access to the employment permits system.

We know undocumented migrants are working in areas of labour market shortage like care, agriculture, restaurants, & construction. Our campaign is all about showing the government that undocumented migrants are here long term, working and have the skills that Ireland needs.