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Ali Haddad Naoise Cullihane Photography
home at last
Man granted residency after 37 years living in Ireland
Ali Haddad will no longer “fear every knock on the door”.
AN ALGERIAN MAN has finally secured residency in Ireland after living here undocumented for 37 years.
Ali Haddad came to Dublin in 1976 as an aviation student and chose to stay after a military coup in his native Algeria.
He has lived on the streets and in temporary housing with casual jobs and the generosity of friends his only income.
The Immigrant Council of Ireland says his case highlights the need for reform.
Being undocumented forced Ali to live in limbo. He had no access to state services and supports, he couldn’t access unemployment benefits and he wasn’t even able to replace his out-of-date passport.
Welcoming the news, Ali said:
To be finally recognised in a country which has been my home for 37 years is overwhelming. I am no longer forced to live in the shadows but can seek work to support myself and play an active role in the community.
After the Immigrant Council of Ireland highlighted his case, the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, TD used his powers of discretion to grant residency.
Senior solicitor with the organisation, Hilkka Becker said: “We are delighted for Ali that he now has an opportunity to seek work, secure a permanent residence and have stability in a country which has been his home for his adult life.
Our concern now is for the unknown number of other undocumented people in Ireland, with estimates that almost 4 million people are in a similar position across the EU.
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