In the early hours of 16 January 2026, activists from Abolish Direct Provision Ireland erected more than 30 small tents outside the Department of Agriculture on Kildare Street, a stone’s throw from Leinster House. The ad-hoc camp – modelled on last year’s ‘Camp Hope’ protests in Paris – is calling for a one-off regularisation scheme for some 1,500 long-term international-protection applicants who have been in the system for three years or more.
Spokesperson Angelia Russell told reporters that residents would dismantle the encampment and forgo future social-housing claims if the Government granted them Stamp 4 residence permission, allowing unrestricted access to the labour market. “We are trained nurses, coders and chefs – we can fill skills shortages instead of costing the State €175 a week in Direct Provision,” she said.
The protest heaps pressure on Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, whose International Protection Bill 2026 promises to cut processing times to six months but will not, campaigners argue, help thousands already waiting years. Business groups are watching closely: the shortage occupation list shows 7,000 unfilled nursing posts alone, and a targeted regularisation could offer employers an immediately available talent pool.
![Asylum-seeker tent protest outside Dublin department demands residency amnesty]()
Public reaction is mixed. NGOs such as the Irish Refugee Council back an amnesty, noting that the 2022 undocumented-workers scheme regularised 8,000 people with minimal backlash. Opposition TDs, however, warn that concessions during a housing crisis could fuel far-right agitation.
Companies and individuals trying to navigate Ireland’s shifting immigration landscape can streamline the process through VisaHQ’s dedicated Ireland portal. From work authorisations and residence permissions to short-stay visas, the platform (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) provides real-time guidance, document checklists and application tracking, helping HR teams stay compliant while applicants avoid costly delays.
Gardaí have maintained a low-key presence and say the demonstration is peaceful but will be reviewed daily under the Public Order Act.
For global mobility practitioners, the episode underscores Ireland’s evolving stance on humanitarian migration and the reputational risks companies face when relocating staff into a politically charged environment. Employers should anticipate questions from assignees about the country’s asylum debate and have clear Diversity, Equity & Inclusion messaging ready. If a fast-track regularisation emerges, HR teams may also need to update right-to-work onboarding procedures at short notice.
Spokesperson Angelia Russell told reporters that residents would dismantle the encampment and forgo future social-housing claims if the Government granted them Stamp 4 residence permission, allowing unrestricted access to the labour market. “We are trained nurses, coders and chefs – we can fill skills shortages instead of costing the State €175 a week in Direct Provision,” she said.
The protest heaps pressure on Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, whose International Protection Bill 2026 promises to cut processing times to six months but will not, campaigners argue, help thousands already waiting years. Business groups are watching closely: the shortage occupation list shows 7,000 unfilled nursing posts alone, and a targeted regularisation could offer employers an immediately available talent pool.
Public reaction is mixed. NGOs such as the Irish Refugee Council back an amnesty, noting that the 2022 undocumented-workers scheme regularised 8,000 people with minimal backlash. Opposition TDs, however, warn that concessions during a housing crisis could fuel far-right agitation.
Companies and individuals trying to navigate Ireland’s shifting immigration landscape can streamline the process through VisaHQ’s dedicated Ireland portal. From work authorisations and residence permissions to short-stay visas, the platform (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) provides real-time guidance, document checklists and application tracking, helping HR teams stay compliant while applicants avoid costly delays.
Gardaí have maintained a low-key presence and say the demonstration is peaceful but will be reviewed daily under the Public Order Act.
For global mobility practitioners, the episode underscores Ireland’s evolving stance on humanitarian migration and the reputational risks companies face when relocating staff into a politically charged environment. Employers should anticipate questions from assignees about the country’s asylum debate and have clear Diversity, Equity & Inclusion messaging ready. If a fast-track regularisation emerges, HR teams may also need to update right-to-work onboarding procedures at short notice.
