SOME UNDOCUMENTED immigrants are not receiving PPS numbers despite the Government’s policy to provide the number to anyone who applies with a valid ID, a group representing migrants has claimed.
Edel McGinley, irregular migration project leader with Migrants Rights Centre Ireland, said that, since 2008, the group has been aware of cases where immigrants have been refused PPS numbers despite having produced a valid passport. She said this contravenes the rules surrounding the issue of the reference numbers which allow individuals to access public services in Ireland.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Social Affairs confirmed yesterday that anyone resident in Ireland who presents with valid identification is entitled to receive a PPS number regardless of their legal status in Ireland.
“Any person who proves their identity, regardless of immigration status, is entitled to a PPS number to facilitate a legitimate interaction with a specified body. Examples of such interactions would include accessing health or education services,” she said, adding the departmental website contained information for anyone who wished to apply.
But she stressed the receipt of a PPS number “does not give rights or entitlements” to illegal immigrants. For example, they cannot claim social welfare payments.
However, the migrant rights group said these rules are not necessarily being applied: “The policy and the practice are quite different,” Ms McGinley said.
“Although an undocumented person has the right to a PPS number by providing a valid passport or immigration status and proof of address, in practice we are noticing since 2008 are being denied this.”