From Undocumented to Integrated: Chinese Immigrants' Journey through Ireland’s Regularisation of Long-Term Undocumented Migrant Scheme – a Policy Report Perspective

This research investigates the experiences of Chinese immigrants who applied for Ireland’s Long-Term Undocumented Migrant Scheme, launched in 2022. The scheme offers a pathway to regularise the status of the undocumented migrants who have lived in the country for certain periods of time. Drawing on both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, this study delves into the socio-economic, psychological, and cultural impacts of living undocumented, as well as the challenges immigrants face after acquiring legal status. While legal regularisation provides security and access to the formal labour market, it is not synonymous with full integration into Irish society.

The findings reveal that gaining legal status does not automatically resolve issues such as economic marginalisation, social exclusion, and cultural alienation. Many Chinese immigrants continue to face barriers in accessing stable, well-paying jobs and often experience underemployment due to language barriers, unrecognised qualifications, and discrimination. Furthermore, social integration remains elusive for many, with limited opportunities for cultural exchange or participation in local community life, leaving them feeling isolated and disconnected. The study also emphasises the ongoing psychological toll of living undocumented, which persists even after obtaining legal status, manifesting in forms of anxiety, insecurity, and a continued fear of deportation.

The study calls for more robust support structures, including targeted employment services, language programs, mental health resources, and community-building initiatives, to help undocumented immigrants transition from legal recognition to meaningful social, cultural, and economic inclusion.