A new scheme will allow thousands of undocumented migrants living in Ireland to remain here legally.

The scheme will allow undocumented people who have been here for more than four years to regularise their status.

People who are here with their children can do so after three years.

The scheme opens in January and applications will be accepted for six months.

While there are no definitive figures available, the Department of Justice estimates that there are around 17,000 undocumented people living in Ireland, including 3,000 children.

Those approved to remain under the new scheme will be granted full access to the labour market.

It will cost €550 euro for an individual to apply, or €700 for a family unit.

Applicants must meet standards on good behaviour and criminal record; however, convictions for minor offences will not result in disqualification on their own.

The scheme also allows asylum seekers who have been in the Direct Provision system for longer than two years to apply – provided they still have an outstanding application for international protection.

This morning, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) welcomed the announcement.

It said the inclusion of asylum seekers will help reduce waiting times in the Direct Provision system.

“Including people waiting for decisions for more than two years has the potential to significantly reduce backlogs, which should support the government’s plans to end the direct provision system,” said Enda O’Neill, Head of Office with UNHCR Ireland.

The UNHCR said the current average waiting time for asylum applications is 23 months – despite a goal to reduce it to six months.

The body warned that this morning’s announcement is likely to increase the number of people living in Direct Provision after they have already been granted permission to remain in the country.

It said the Government must ensure people have access to housing in the community so they can move on from the system and ensure places are available for new applicants.