Petition pointing no fingers of blame
If you can go to McDonald's and order on a touchscreen tablet, you should be able to register for immigration online.
That’s according to UCC second year medical student Jonah Shemie who recently took it upon himself to set up an online petition to change the immigration process in Cork.
The current system uses a first come, first served approach which can result in people queuing for hours only to be turned away and forced to come back at a later date. In Dublin, an online appointment system is currently in use.
Speaking to the Cork Independent, Jonah said: “The biggest problem with the system isn't going to the building and getting it done, it's how many times you have to go before you can get it done. Each time you go, you're sacrificing valuable time.
“When I go there, the demographic is roughly 50/50 between students and working people. Every single person there is taking time out of their day and missing obligations at work and school, and half the time it doesn't amount to anything. That's the most frustrating part.”
He said: “When I went to collect my immigration registration card, I asked the people at the desk what I could do to make this system better. These workers have to refuse hundreds of immigrants a day and it's not their fault.”
Since it was established two weeks ago, the online petition has secured over 600 signatures and is quickly closing in on its 1,000 signature target.
“Ultimately, the most realistic goal I have is to create a two-part verification online booking system to which someone could submit their passport, and proof of residency or employment,” said Jonah.
He continued: “This would allow them to book an appointment online so that they that know when they go in, even if it takes some time, they are guaranteed to be seen.”
Jonah also made it clear that he was not blaming anyone for the faulty system and that he simply wants to offer an alternative that he believes “can’t be too complicated”.
He said: “I don't want this to be about pointing fingers where employees, or anyone, take the blame, because no single entity is responsible. The people want an improvement.”
Once the target number of signatures is reached, Jonah and the UCC International Society will “try to push it in the right direction”.