An Irish Dream

syedakram

Ever wonderd travelling to a new country and finding a deep connection with its soil? If yes, then we share the same feeling. It's the happiness of integrating into a new country and making it your home and willing to give more than you can take from its soil.

This is my story of living an Irish Dream from the most beautiful country in the world "IRELAND".

Yes, Ireland the land of breathtaking cliffs, mesmerizing lush greenery, incredible castles, astonishing countryside, adorable people, buzzing bars and Dublin city. It's where I lived for more than 11 years. It's like the city knows me and I know the city forever. Dublin is the capital city of Ireland for those who don't know it's the most happening city in Europe and across the world.

The reason I say this is because it's air is so fresh and soothing that although it's freezing cold, you would love to go out for a morning walk by the Canals and Parks where you can hear your inner voice in peace. At times you do hear seagulls which could be annoying but that is nature.

Irish people are amazing, they have a very jovial approach towards life and they care less about tomorrow. I like that approach but unfortunately, we were never bought up in that fashion. Dublin's nightlife is full of energy, drinks, lovely Irish music which is a treat to your ears and a doner kebab followed by hangovers from Mon to Wed and "I can't wait for the weekend" attitude from Thursday.

Irish weather can be uncertain as it rains in every season throughout the year. I have witnessed 4 seasons in a day on many occasions. Rain, Sun, Snow and Spring leafs decked on kerbs. I love Spring season as it gets romantic and cosy. Rainbows are gorgeous and we often see it as a blessing from God. Irish do complain a lot about weather everyday and hence even God gets confused at times just like the MET department of Ireland.

My journey in Ireland was like a roller coaster. I learnt life by combating difficulties and challenges throughout my time which made me stronger but on the same hand, Irish Immigration system kept pushing me and others around me towards constant depression, disappointment, trauma, mental instability, lack of confidence, fear and tears.

That's because I am a Non-EU citizen who came to Ireland for pursuing my MBA after paying or rather contributing 10,000+ Euros to the Irish economy, in order to achieve Masters degree and live a perfect life, get a decent job, get my wife here and give my kids a secure, stable and a bright future. That is and was my only Irish dream along with many other fellow citizens. Is that too much to ask for?

Unlike a vast section of Irish society who depends on "DOLE", we the Non-EU citizens would never live on state funds. We rather contribute to the Department of Revenue and to the Irish economy as accurately as possible from our monthly wages. We are happy to pay taxes as we the 90% of Non-EU citizens will never opt for state funds or try to be a "BURDEN ON THE STATE". This is the most commonly used term by the Irish Immigration system when they refuse our visa or residency appeal. As a Non-EU citizen, we get mentally exhausted by the Department of Justice & GNIB on a regular basis when it comes to the renewal of our Residency Permit which is linked with our employment directly and the employers start emailing us 2-3 months in advance asking for a renewed residency permit.

They have changed the queuing and ticketing systems to an online appointment system which never works due to process failure from within. Previously we had to spend a whole day just to get to the counter in GNIB Burgh Quay office, simply to get our residence card renewed by paying a solid 300.00 Euros Fee. The treatment we receive after paying 300.00 Euros on every renewal is horrible, demeaning, daunting and unnerving. If a Non-EU graduate wants to secure a work permit even after studying in Irish universities and schools, they must acquire Stamp4 status which will allow him/her to work, and to seek this work permit a Non-EU must achieve a job with a yearly pay of 30,000 Euro, imagine that hurdle.

This leads many discouraged Non-EU citizens to fall in a trap of mafias who make huge money out of our situation by guiding them to alternate routes and ways of gaining long term residency. As we don't want to lose our jobs because we can't afford to live without paying rent, bills and other mandatory expenses like any other Irish citizen who gets weekly or monthly social welfare benefits.

I understand any nation would give more benefits to its citizens. But in doing so the Department of Justice forgets an important section of the society who deserves to be treated equally as they are also paying taxes just like any other Irish citizen. Having said that, we desire nothing but an official status which can accommodate us and assist us in securing a fruitful future. We do integrate within Irish society as a part of a big family. But yet the Department of justice consistently does injustice with Non-EU citizens. There are heaps of files sitting in Dept of Justice which could be cleared but are kept on hold for ages and the concerned individuals are in a limbo of its outcome.

These individuals are normal hard-working and peace-loving human beings who have left their homes and families due to lack of economic growth in their home countries.
These are qualified and intellectual individuals who can give a lot in return to the Irish economy and yet they face a harsh reality of residency.

Many leave Ireland with unforgettable memories, broken heart and lots of love for this beautiful land of opportunities because their Irish dreams remain incomplete due to an opaque immigration system.



I want readers to ponder, should this unjust system change? Listen to this mesmerizing Irish National Anthem(The Soldiers Song) which states "Soldiers we are, whose lives are pledged to Ireland". " Some have come from a land beyond the wave" "Sworn to be free".

I will always carry a piece of Ireland in my heart.

I see sheep

For people to lazy too read it's a social welfare recipient bashing thread (number 10,000?) dressed up as some other nonsense.

Rodin

syedakram wrote: »

Ever wonderd travelling to a new country and finding a deep connection with its soil? If yes, then we share the same feeling. It's the happiness of integrating into a new country and making it your home and willing to give more than you can take from its soil.

This is my story of living an Irish Dream from the most beautiful country in the world "IRELAND".

Yes, Ireland the land of breathtaking cliffs, mesmerizing lush greenery, incredible castles, astonishing countryside, adorable people, buzzing bars and Dublin city. It's where I lived for more than 11 years. It's like the city knows me and I know the city forever. Dublin is the capital city of Ireland for those who don't know it's the most happening city in Europe and across the world.

The reason I say this is because it's air is so fresh and soothing that although it's freezing cold, you would love to go out for a morning walk by the Canals and Parks where you can hear your inner voice in peace. At times you do hear seagulls which could be annoying but that is nature.

Irish people are amazing, they have a very jovial approach towards life and they care less about tomorrow. I like that approach but unfortunately, we were never bought up in that fashion. Dublin's nightlife is full of energy, drinks, lovely Irish music which is a treat to your ears and a doner kebab followed by hangovers from Mon to Wed and "I can't wait for the weekend" attitude from Thursday.

Irish weather can be uncertain as it rains in every season throughout the year. I have witnessed 4 seasons in a day on many occasions. Rain, Sun, Snow and Spring leafs decked on kerbs. I love Spring season as it gets romantic and cosy. Rainbows are gorgeous and we often see it as a blessing from God. Irish do complain a lot about weather everyday and hence even God gets confused at times just like the MET department of Ireland.

My journey in Ireland was like a roller coaster. I learnt life by combating difficulties and challenges throughout my time which made me stronger but on the same hand, Irish Immigration system kept pushing me and others around me towards constant depression, disappointment, trauma, mental instability, lack of confidence, fear and tears.

That's because I am a Non-EU citizen who came to Ireland for pursuing my MBA after paying or rather contributing 10,000+ Euros to the Irish economy, in order to achieve Masters degree and live a perfect life, get a decent job, get my wife here and give my kids a secure, stable and a bright future. That is and was my only Irish dream along with many other fellow citizens. Is that too much to ask for?

Unlike a vast section of Irish society who depends on "DOLE", we the Non-EU citizens would never live on state funds. We rather contribute to the Department of Revenue and to the Irish economy as accurately as possible from our monthly wages. We are happy to pay taxes as we the 90% of Non-EU citizens will never opt for state funds or try to be a "BURDEN ON THE STATE". This is the most commonly used term by the Irish Immigration system when they refuse our visa or residency appeal. As a Non-EU citizen, we get mentally exhausted by the Department of Justice & GNIB on a regular basis when it comes to the renewal of our Residency Permit which is linked with our employment directly and the employers start emailing us 2-3 months in advance asking for a renewed residency permit.

They have changed the queuing and ticketing systems to an online appointment system which never works due to process failure from within. Previously we had to spend a whole day just to get to the counter in GNIB Burgh Quay office, simply to get our residence card renewed by paying a solid 300.00 Euros Fee. The treatment we receive after paying 300.00 Euros on every renewal is horrible, demeaning, daunting and unnerving. If a Non-EU graduate wants to secure a work permit even after studying in Irish universities and schools, they must acquire Stamp4 status which will allow him/her to work, and to seek this work permit a Non-EU must achieve a job with a yearly pay of 30,000 Euro, imagine that hurdle.

This leads many discouraged Non-EU citizens to fall in a trap of mafias who make huge money out of our situation by guiding them to alternate routes and ways of gaining long term residency. As we don't want to lose our jobs because we can't afford to live without paying rent, bills and other mandatory expenses like any other Irish citizen who gets weekly or monthly social welfare benefits.

I understand any nation would give more benefits to its citizens. But in doing so the Department of Justice forgets an important section of the society who deserves to be treated equally as they are also paying taxes just like any other Irish citizen. Having said that, we desire nothing but an official status which can accommodate us and assist us in securing a fruitful future. We do integrate within Irish society as a part of a big family. But yet the Department of justice consistently does injustice with Non-EU citizens. There are heaps of files sitting in Dept of Justice which could be cleared but are kept on hold for ages and the concerned individuals are in a limbo of its outcome.

These individuals are normal hard-working and peace-loving human beings who have left their homes and families due to lack of economic growth in their home countries.
These are qualified and intellectual individuals who can give a lot in return to the Irish economy and yet they face a harsh reality of residency.

Many leave Ireland with unforgettable memories, broken heart and lots of love for this beautiful land of opportunities because their Irish dreams remain incomplete due to an opaque immigration system.



I want readers to ponder, should this unjust system change? Listen to this mesmerizing Irish National Anthem(The Soldiers Song) which states "Soldiers we are, whose lives are pledged to Ireland". " Some have come from a land beyond the wave" "Sworn to be free".

I will always carry a piece of Ireland in my heart.

You got the name of the national anthem wrong.
The anthem is written in Irish.

Annasopra

Oh look. Dole bashing. Never seen that before.

Salary Negotiator

€10K isn’t that much of a contribution to be bragging about it.

jimgoose

"Non-EU citizen"?? TUK ER JERRRBS!! :mad:

JohnnyFlash

Ain’t nobody got the time to read all that.

riffmongous

Rodin wrote: »

You got the name of the national anthem wrong.
The anthem is written in Irish.

It's actually both, written originally in English, sung in English at the Easter Rising and only translated late 1916..and it seems both versions are accepted by the Department of the Taoiseach

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/52a628-the-national-anthem/

carrollsno1

Yea fell in love with Australia, realised unless i lived in the middle of nowhere i couldnt get citizenship with my current skillset. Back home hoping to retrain once this virus blows over and head back to Australia permenently then as a skilled migrant to work not to head kver looking for benefits. Also FYI im an Irish citizen born and reared as well as tbe people before me abd afaik i am entitled to 0 off fhe government currently so why should a non EU migrant be entitled to it over me?

Rodin

riffmongous wrote: »

It's actually both, written originally in English, sung in English at the Easter Rising and only translated late 1916..and it seems both versions are accepted by the Department of the Taoiseach

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/52a628-the-national-anthem/

Certainly never seen it up in English by Hill 16.
Should only be sung in Irish.

I should admit that I think Irish should be our first language with English secondary, just like most of Europe.

PopePalpatine

I see sheep wrote: »

For people to lazy too read it's a social welfare recipient bashing thread (number 10,000?) dressed up as some other nonsense.

And here was me thinking it was a bored Leaving Cert student who's found an outlet for their essay.