Menu
18/08/2015
New Powers To Stop 'Marriages Of Convenience'
New powers have been introduced to prevent the abuse of the institution of marriage for immigration purposes, or so-called "marriages of convenience".
Introduced today the new powers for Registrars address a noted increase in allegations of sham marriages, involving statistically improbable patterns of marriage, from a cultural and linguistic perspective, notably between women from Eastern Europe and, more recently from Portugal, and men from the Indian sub-continent.
The new legislation will make "marriages of convenience" an impediment to marriage and will allow a Registrar the right to investigate and to form an opinion, based on the information presented by the two parties, of the veracity of the application to marry. Ultimately, they can refuse to issue a marriage registration form and are empowered to inform and make enquiries of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of the Department of Justice & Equality. In that regard, the General Registration Office, the immigration services and the Garda National Immigration Bureau have and will continue to work closely to prevent such marriages taking place and to ensure no immigration advantage is gained as a result.
Minister Fitzgerald said: "In addition to EU Free Movement rights, the right to marry in Ireland is also protected in the Constitution. The reality is though, that in some cases these rights are abused. The abuse of the institution of marriage, for immigration purposes, cannot and will not be tolerated.
"A non EEA national coming to the end of his immigration permission or without any immigration permission can contract a sham marriage with an EU national to extend their permission. Women are exploited in such arrangements and even if money changes hands there is obviously scope for coercion and intimidation.
"I am also deeply concerned that in some instances women may be trafficked to Ireland with a view to being forced into sham marriages. Any such cases are thoroughly investigated by the Garda authorities as a criminal matter and the introduction of this legislation is, I believe, an essential addition in deterring such activities."
(MH)
Introduced today the new powers for Registrars address a noted increase in allegations of sham marriages, involving statistically improbable patterns of marriage, from a cultural and linguistic perspective, notably between women from Eastern Europe and, more recently from Portugal, and men from the Indian sub-continent.
The new legislation will make "marriages of convenience" an impediment to marriage and will allow a Registrar the right to investigate and to form an opinion, based on the information presented by the two parties, of the veracity of the application to marry. Ultimately, they can refuse to issue a marriage registration form and are empowered to inform and make enquiries of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of the Department of Justice & Equality. In that regard, the General Registration Office, the immigration services and the Garda National Immigration Bureau have and will continue to work closely to prevent such marriages taking place and to ensure no immigration advantage is gained as a result.
Minister Fitzgerald said: "In addition to EU Free Movement rights, the right to marry in Ireland is also protected in the Constitution. The reality is though, that in some cases these rights are abused. The abuse of the institution of marriage, for immigration purposes, cannot and will not be tolerated.
"A non EEA national coming to the end of his immigration permission or without any immigration permission can contract a sham marriage with an EU national to extend their permission. Women are exploited in such arrangements and even if money changes hands there is obviously scope for coercion and intimidation.
"I am also deeply concerned that in some instances women may be trafficked to Ireland with a view to being forced into sham marriages. Any such cases are thoroughly investigated by the Garda authorities as a criminal matter and the introduction of this legislation is, I believe, an essential addition in deterring such activities."
(MH)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 February 2009
Civilian Immigration Officers An Option, Says Ahern
Passengers arriving at ports and airports in Ireland could soon be grilled by private contractors rather than immigration officials. The Justice Dermot Ahern is said to be considering the privatisation of passport control to speed up delays of up to two hours at points of entry.
Civilian Immigration Officers An Option, Says Ahern
Passengers arriving at ports and airports in Ireland could soon be grilled by private contractors rather than immigration officials. The Justice Dermot Ahern is said to be considering the privatisation of passport control to speed up delays of up to two hours at points of entry.
26 November 2015
Operation Vantage Launched To Investigate Illegal Immigration
The Garda National Immigration Bureau has launched Operation Vantage to investigate illegal immigration and identify marriages of convenience.
Operation Vantage Launched To Investigate Illegal Immigration
The Garda National Immigration Bureau has launched Operation Vantage to investigate illegal immigration and identify marriages of convenience.
10 June 2011
Sham Marriages Leading To Abuses Of EU Rights
Speaking at the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Alan Shatter T.D.
Sham Marriages Leading To Abuses Of EU Rights
Speaking at the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Alan Shatter T.D.
23 September 2010
Foreign Education Sector To Boost Earnings
A new blueprint is targeting €1.2 billion earnings annually from the foreign education sector. The Government has launched a major new strategy aimed at increasing international student numbers in higher education by 50% and in English language schools by 25% by 2015.
Foreign Education Sector To Boost Earnings
A new blueprint is targeting €1.2 billion earnings annually from the foreign education sector. The Government has launched a major new strategy aimed at increasing international student numbers in higher education by 50% and in English language schools by 25% by 2015.
12 March 2010
Marriage 'Sham' In Ireland
Foreign couples in the Irish Republic are caught up in a diplomatic row after being told their marriage status is not legal. Some 3,000 marriages over the past three years are null and void because they were performed in foreign embassies. The problem has caused a diplomatic row between the Irish government and a number of European Union states.
Marriage 'Sham' In Ireland
Foreign couples in the Irish Republic are caught up in a diplomatic row after being told their marriage status is not legal. Some 3,000 marriages over the past three years are null and void because they were performed in foreign embassies. The problem has caused a diplomatic row between the Irish government and a number of European Union states.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
