My wife and I sold everything in the USA, and moved to Ireland in May 2014. Before we moved, we read everything available on what the requirements were to live here, and contacted the Irish Embassy in San Francisco to confirm the info we had. (Their only concern was 'did we know it rains a lot in winter').
We applied for permission to remain as retirees in Sept. 2014...the same week Irish Immigration, without warning, instituted a rule stating retirees must have 50,000 Euros EACH in NON- investment income in order to stay! Now, after a year of reviewing our case, we get a lovely letter (23/9/2015) from INIS telling us we've got A WEEK to leave the country! Mind you, we have proven to them (certified by an Irish accountant) that we have plenty of money to live on; we have insurance, own our lovely Irish home outright, and have zero debt. My wife is in tears. What in Hell is wrong with Ireland's government, when houses sit vacant for years, Irish citizens have to leave to find jobs, etc. We want to spend our money here; support local businesses, participate in the local community --- but NOOOO. Get out. Ireland only wants Americans if you're bloody rich; they can't keep out people from the EU and they're taking thousands of refugees, but even having proved that we won't be a burden on the State, they want us to leave. We're devastated. Any suggestions or personal experience in dealing with INIS in this matter will be appreciated.
Retired to Ireland, GIVEN 7 DAYS TO GET OUT!
Dave. Hire a lawyer who specialises in immigration cases ask INIS to review the case.
Hopefully you will get the permission.
Agreed, getting a lawyer is probably a smart move. I've been trying the political angle, sharing my story with the local TD and Enda Kenny's office. They think they can sort it out, but I'm also concerned for the larger expat community from non-EU states that will be impacted by these new punitive rules. If anyone else out there has had a similar experience I'd love to hear about it.
You need to contact your local politician and ask them to have a word on your behalf
Citizens advice bureaus believe it or not are good at pointing you in the right direction
Sitution sounds unjust
Don't spend a fortune on lawyers
Try to do it queutly and cheaply
Hello Dave,
You really do need to retain a local lawyer who is experienced in immigration matters to handle your case.
You mention that in the same week the INIS instituted a new rule regarding income. Did you make your application BEFORE that rule was brought into effect? If so, there is a very good chance that the rule cannot be made retroactive and that pre-existing applications can only be decided under the old rules. Only a lawyer can tell you that for sure. At any rate, that certainly is a solid argument to be made in your favor even if the matter must go to court.
You've invested a substantial amount in your home, and given up your assets back home, just to tell you now that you're out, is not only a grave injustice, but very likely not legal under the circumstances.
The notification from INIS notwithstanding, there is ALWAYS some kind of appeal process and you must enter into it before you do anything. A lawyer will help you there too.
Cheers,
James Expat-blog Experts Team
I think this is crazy, I am so sorry for your situation. My husband and also have dreamed of retiring in Ireland . My suggestion is to avoid the INIS altogether, get a political ally in Ireland , some one anti- migration/ refugee. Also, media the h___ out of this situation! Unfortunately , honest, hardworking people like you are on the back burner . Play their game!
There's an interesting letter in the 5/10/15 edition of the Irish Times, from an American who thinks attracting US retirees could be beneficial to the economy. While I can debate some of his more cynical points, his suggestion on the whole is a good one. Check it out here: http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/lette … -1.2376839
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