Iraqi refugee to ask court to let him change ‘convoluted name’

A man whose request to shorten his name for everyday use was denied by the Minister for Justice has been granted High Court permission to challenge the refusal.

Mohammedalyas Al Shamiri, of Sandyford Road, Dundrum, Dublin, wanted to change his name to Alyas Al Shamiri.

The Iraqi national, who fled his country and was granted refugee status in 2015, applied to the Minister for Justice for a “change of name licence” under the Aliens Act 1935 but was refused.

A minister for justice may, at their absolute discretion, either issue or refuse to issue a licence under the Act.

Mr Al Shamiri is currently studying automotive technology and management with Dublin Institute of Technology.

He says he has a “long, convoluted name” and finds people have difficulties spelling and pronouncing it at college, in work and in his daily life.

Due to those difficulties, he has already shortened his name when applying for his DIT student card and to be a member of Engineers Ireland.

When he sought a review of the Minister’s decision to refuse the name change, he was again refused.

His counsel told the court that, in both instances, no reasons were given for the refusal.

He seeks an order from the High Court quashing the decision.

Mr Justice Donald Binchy granted him leave, on an ex-parte basis (one side only represented), to bring the case and adjourned the matter for seven weeks.