Robinson says irregular migration is a key issue

Irregular migration is "the key human rights issue of our time, globally and here in Ireland", according to former president Mary Robinson.

She was speaking yesterday on International Migrants Day at the launch of a report by the Migrants Rights Centre Ireland, which explores irregular migration in Ireland.

Some 10-15 per cent of all migrants are irregular, according to the report, which says specific data is difficult to obtain. In the future people with irregular status will grow, according to Siobhan O'Donoghue of MRCI, who says many factors are beyond the control of the State.

However, the organisation says the Government should introduce a temporary permission to remain, or bridging visa. The move is supported by Mrs Robinson, who said it will give migrants the space to sort out their status "instead of fearing for deportation".

Many people become irregular through no fault of their own, said Iryna Zmyeyevskaya, a legal Ukrainian migrant who fell into illegal status for more than two years as a result of exploitation.

She described it as being "like you are nobody and you have no right to do anything". She emphasised the exploitation and fear felt by migrants in this situation.

Mrs Robinson, who is chairwoman of the New York-based lobby group Realising Rights, spoke about her migrant status. "I am a temporary migrant in the US, one of the 200 million. I have all the protections I need but I am rarely thought of as a migrant." Mrs Robinson also spoke about the strong support the irregular Irish in the US receive.

Ireland is not coping with immigration, she said. "These are not criminal acts, but behaviours of ordinary people trying to better themselves and their families."

Sixty irregular migrants were interviewed for the report, 90 per cent of whom came into Ireland legally but whose status changed because they may have overstayed a tourist visa or worked more hours than a student visa allows. This impacts on the lives of migrants through workplace exploitation, high levels of stress and difficulties in accessing health services, the report said.