Immigrant groups criticise hike in registration fee

Immigrant and education groups have criticised a Garda decision to raise by 50 per cent the cost of registering with the border authorities.

The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) announced on its website this week that, as of tomorrow, the registration fee for most of those from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) will rise to €150, an increase of €50 on the previous charge introduced in 2006.

The fee increase coincides with the introduction of fingerprinting of immigrants registering with the GNIB.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0822/breaking66.htm