I can assure the Deputy that there are, and always have been, robust verification measures in place for online applications for the renewal of immigration residence permissions.
Based on an applicant’s immigration stamp type, they are required to supply a comprehensive list of documentation, as well as pay a €300 registration fee in most cases.
All documents submitted are checked and validated by officials in my Department for each online renewal application. If there are concerns regarding a renewal application, officials may directly contact employers, education providers, medical insurance providers, or any other relevant providers to verify the validity of a document provided, and may also arrange for an in-person renewal to assess original copies of documents before completing the application.
If Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department become aware that someone has presented fraudulent documentation relating to their online renewal, then ISD will investigate each individual case accordingly. In such instances, their registration will be refused and details will be provided to An Garda Síochána.
Further information on the renewal process as well as the list of documents required for each stamp type are available on the ISD website at the following link: [www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/required-documents/]
Statistics on the number of relevant cases requested by the Deputy is not readily available. To source such information would require the manual examination of thousands of cases. Such an examination would require a disproportionate amount of time to compile and would deflect resources from processing applications for first-time registration and immigration permission renewals.
