Immigrant healthcare workers have been the backbone of the Irish health system for years, but especially since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Far from home and loved ones, we risk our lives and our families’ lives daily. Many of us have fallen ill, some of us have made the ultimate sacrifice for our adopted home since last March. None of us have seen our extended families since this crisis hit our shores.

“The pain of being away from their loved one’s is real and can only be relieved by seeing them or hugging them. They can’t fly home because they have commitment to this country. They are giving their everything for this country.”

Recently, France, Portugal and Canada have acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by immigrant healthcare workers throughout the pandemic by fast-tracking their applications for citizenship. Ireland, by comparison, has a 3 to 4 year backlog of applicants who already meet the criteria for naturalisation.

The Irish government, however, have been very slow in recognising the work of the nation’s heroes, perhaps thinking that a few claps and kind words is enough. It is not enough.

We have given ourselves and our careers to this country – caring for your loved ones day in, day out, being there for you at some of your darkest hours, even throughout a deadly pandemic. We uprooted our young families to bring them to Ireland, have paid our taxes, abided by your laws, some of us even learnt Cúpla Focal.

Ireland is our home now. We are calling on the Irish government, INIS and GNIB to recognise our sacrifice and commitment, and give us the certainty we need to progress with our lives and careers here in Ireland. Follow the lead of other European countries and fast-track citizenship for ALL of our healthcare heroes: from cleaners and porters to consultants and surgeons.

Go raibh mile maith agaibh.