An undocumented migrant has spoken of her joy following the Government’s announcement of an amnesty for those who have overstayed their visas. 

Newstalk listener Irene arrived in Ireland 14 years ago in 2008 and has not been back to her home in the Philippines since then. 

“We are very happy now with the opening of the regularisation scheme,” Irene told Lunchtime Live.

“It’s an historic day for thousands of undocumented families and workers. 

“This scheme will transform our lives. It will allow us to live safely and stand up for our basic rights and lead a normal life in our home here in Ireland. 

“I’m so excited to get my application later!”

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Irene has two children in the Philippines and chose to stay so she could support them financially. Her son requires medication for a heart condition and her wages also pay for their education. 

“I haven’t seen them in 14 years, I just see them in video calls, we’re just calling every day, helping with their homework and their school online,” she described. 

“It’s a pity because I can look after the kids well here and I cannot do that for my own kids."

Passport control at Dublin Airport in 2015. Picture by: Niall Carson/PA Archive/PA Images

Irene also paid tribute to those undocumented migrants who came forward and campaigned for the amnesty: 

“This wouldn’t have happened without the brave undocumented people who came forward and campaigned for the regularisation. 

“We are so proud today to know that all our efforts and sacrifices have led to this incredible moment.” 

Justice Minister Helen McEntee told Newstalk Breakfast that the scheme is expected to benefit some 17,000 undocumented people - of whom 3,000 are thought to be children. 

"As of today, if you are in an undocumented way in this country... you can now apply for a scheme that would create a pathway for you, firstly, to have legal access to the labour market - but secondly that you could potentially continue on that path to citizenship.

"Working with the Migrants Rights Centre and other organisations, we have a general sense of a figure of around 17,000.

"That potentially includes about 3,000 children in it - but the nature of this means we don't have the exact figure.

"But I think we need to see as the scheme opens today, and the coming weeks, the numbers of people that respond."

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Rollingnews.ie

The scheme will be open for six months and anyone who has been undocumented in Ireland for longer than four years can apply. For people with children, the time limit is three years. 

Applicants must also meet the state’s good character requirements and pass a criminal record check. 

Main image: A family out for a walk together.