Plans are in motion to introduce higher penalty for airlines that fail to verify the authenticity of a passenger’s travel document. The proposed penalties could be as high as €5,000, and this new regime is set to be reviewed by the Cabinet this week. The actual enactment date has yet to be confirmed, but is expected to take place before the summer break.
The existing immigration laws were established in 2003 and require airlines and other transport companies to confirm that passengers have valid travel documents, including verified identification, nationality details and necessary visas when travelling to the state. Penalties can be imposed on airlines for each passenger that does not meet these obligations on any particular flight.
Currently, there is an opportunity for airlines to avoid legal consequences if they opt to pay a reduced fine within 28 days of being charged with the offence. The current fine of €1,500 will be increased to €2,500.
Further suggestions proposed include the Department of Justice along with the Garda National Immigration Bureau creating guidelines to assist transport companies with the implementation of such checks. The authorities are also contemplating a more flexible penalty system that rewards the airlines who strictly follow the checks and penalises those who fail to rectify gaps and show progress in the system.
A clampdown regarding visa-free travel from countries with a high number of international protection seekers or recurring inappropriate usage of travel documents is also being considered by the government.