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International students have not been adequately considered in Ireland’s COVID-19 response - a thread. #InternationalStudentsDay #Ireland #Covid_19 #intlinirl
Due to closed immigration offices, some have remained stuck in Ireland for months, with unanswered emails and calls to INIS and university immigration offices.
Despite permission extensions, a valid up-to-date residence card is required to allow most non-EU international students to exit and reenter the country.
These delays have meant that they haven’t been able to return home to care for sick family members or say goodbye to dying loved ones for fear of not being allowed to return. Heartbreaking stories of isolation, frustration, and loss fill the international student community.
In addition, the recent ruling by the Court of Appeals, classifying international students who reside in Ireland for more than one year as “Ordinary Residents,” has put considerable financial burden on international students.
Despite bringing in some 400 million euros to the Irish economy, international students are already required to pay 300 euros per year out of pocket for residency cards that must be renewed yearly.
This ruling now additionally requires international students to purchase health insurance for immigration purposes costing 600+ euros per year. I
It is illogical and excessive to classify students as Ordinary Residents and expect a yearly renewal fee - especially when students (Stamp 2) can't avail of social service benefits.
Allowing international students, already dealing with family separation and heavy financial burden, to carry these burdens alone during a pandemic is inhumane. Irish Universities/Colleges and the Irish Government have a responsibility to support the students they recruit.
