Ireland's new immigration law allows long-term residence for five years.

Irish Minister of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Brian Lenihan recently announced the Immigration, Residence and Security Bill 2008. The new bill cancels the temporary residence permit, and people who have lived for more than five years can obtain long-term residence status.

The European version of Sing Tao Daily reported that most of the new laws are related to immigration laws, including the entry procedures for immigrants from countries outside the EU, how to hold and replace residence permits, and simplifying the procedures for illegal immigrants to be repatriated.

At the same time, the law abolished the item of "changing temporary residence permit before immigrants can meet the naturalization qualification", and instead, it will introduce the status of "long-term residence" to those who have lived in Ireland for at least five years. However, those who stay in Ireland as students or asylum seekers are not included.

The new bill will add one item, that is, the time for immigrants in need in Ireland to obtain permanent residency will be shortened, including those holding Irish green cards, who will be eligible to accelerate the acquisition of long-term resident status. Long-term residents will enter the Irish labor market without restrictions, they will be eligible for all services funded by the Irish government, and their welfare will be close to that of Irish citizens.

Brian Lenihan said that for a long time, the Irish immigration system was based on the concept of calculating temporary immigrants year by year. Immigrants can apply for naturalization if they stay within the time limit for applying for naturalization. Long-term resident status will give the holder government-funded services and other benefits close to Irish citizens.

The new legislation also includes granting a short-term permit to enter Ireland for 90 days and a non-renewable residence permit to stay in Ireland for one year, so that holders can travel and study in Ireland.