Almost two-thirds of people, 64%, agree that Ireland should welcome people who move here to make a better life for themselves or their families, according to a new survey.
The study, which was conducted by Ireland Thinks for the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI), showed that 18% of those surveyed disagree that Ireland should welcome people who move here.
Asked what Government policy should be towards undocumented migrant workers, 25% of respondents said they should be required to leave the country immediately, while 69% said they should be given the opportunity to come forward and legalise their status, provided they can show they have been living and working here long term.
The survey of 1,465 people showed that 82% agree that Irish companies should continue to be able to recruit people from outside the EU to work in sectors where it is difficult to fill skills or labour shortages.
When asked if people from outside the EU, recruited to work in Ireland through the work permit system, should be allowed to bring their immediate family, spouse and/or children with them, 65% agreed while 24% disagreed.
Two-thirds of respondents agreed that people from outside the EU who are on work permits should have freedom to change to any job after two years. This is compared to 21% who disagreed.
According to the survey, 88% believe a fee of less than €100 is fair and reasonable for a migrant to have to pay for a residence permit card, instead of the €300 fee they currently pay every year.
"When people come to Ireland to work they face many challenges," said Neil Bruton, Campaigns Manager with MRCI.
"Challenges like being separated from their families for years on end, facing poor working conditions and high rates of exploitation. On top of that they face high immigration fees that leave them struggling to make ends meet."
"This poll shows that people in Ireland understand better than most the challenges people face when they move," Mr Bruton said.
"People clearly support progressive policy changes that address the persistent challenges people face when moving to Ireland to make a better life," he added.
Shiji Joseph is originally from India and works as a healthcare assistant in a nursing home in Dublin.
Commenting on the public's support for better family reunion polices, she said: "It is heartwarming to see that most people understand how hard it is to live without your family and support change."
"It’s deeply painful for me not being able to have my children and husband with me here," she added.
