On October 24 2024, we had the privilege of attending the 2024 Consular Forum hosted in Dublin by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The theme this year was ‘Explore, Educate and TravelWise’ with the event also marking the launch of the new TravelWise Smart Lesson, an educational resource offering Senior Cycle students with a range of up-to-date travel advice and information provided by DFA.
Our Project Leader, Sarah Owen, shared insights from our support service for Irish emigrants as part of the second panel focusing on supporting the health and wellbeing of Irish citizens overseas. This panel was moderated by Consular Director Nora Delaney, and featured Sarah alongside Leslie Alcock from the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas and Anne Corcoran of the Samaritans Ireland.
Reiterating our commitment to ensuring that Irish emigrants have access to the information and support they need at all stages of their migration journey, Sarah highlighted our:
- Leaving Ireland information resources,
- Pre-departure service including webinars for working holiday makers to Australia and Canada,
- Irish diaspora directory of Irish groups and organizations worldwide, and
- Blogs and vlogs containing personal stories and practical advice from recent emigrants around the world.
Supporting the New Generation
A key point raised during the forum was the recognition that the new generation of Irish emigrants is accessing information in different ways. Young emigrants rely heavily on social media and influencer-driven content for information, which can sometimes lead to a view of emigration that emphasizes positive lifestyle aspects as opposed to the realities of living and working in a new country. Potential challenges they may face can be lost when viewed through the lens of social media, and there is often a limited awareness of available support spaces. This can make it challenging to reach them prior to their departure to promote informed decisions around their migration journey.
Recognising this, we welcome the Department of Foreign Affairs renewed focus on connecting with young emigrants both in the digital space via campaigns such as #MakeTheRightMemories on Instagram and Tiktok, as well as in the classroom.
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Irish Emigration Post-Pandemic
With the reopening of borders, Irish people are seizing the opportunity to explore the world after a period when emigration was largely curtailed. Current trends indicate that for the second consecutive year more Irish citizens are emigrating than returning home, with the Central Statistics estimating that 34,700 Irish citizens emigrated from Ireland in the year to April 2024, while 30,000 returned to Ireland in this same period.
While many are leaving willingly to pursue new adventures abroad, there are also those—both young and old—who find themselves compelled to leave Ireland due to a range of push factors leading to crisis emigration. This includes the ongoing impact of the housing crisis which presents a challenge for both those leaving Ireland and those attempting to return.
Responding to Complex Needs
As a dedicated support service for the Irish Diaspora, we work closely with Ireland’s Consular Services to provide welfare focused services to Irish citizens who find themselves in precarious situations abroad – particularly people with support needs relating to homelessness, mental and physical health, immigration permission, advanced age, deportation, war and domestic violence.
The needs of people accessing our service are becoming increasingly complex, with many presenting with multiple needs that require comprehensive support. These individuals frequently lack a strong support network, making it essential for organizations like Crosscare to provide tailored assistance before and after travelling abroad and, when necessary, to return home safely.
Collaboration is Key
One of the most encouraging aspects of the forum was the emphasis on collaboration. Broadcast to the wider DFA mission network, the forum served as a vital platform for raising awareness about the resources available to Irish citizens overseas. It was heartening to see so many stakeholders engaged in this important conversation, reflecting on how we can work effectively together to provide high-quality assistance to our citizens in need.
Our thanks to the Department of Foreign Affairs for the opportunity to be involved in the 2024 Consular Forum and for your continued collaboration as we work to ensure that no citizen feels isolated or unsupported while abroad.
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Support Our Work
At Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project, we are dedicated to providing vital support to Irish emigrants and their families. Thanks to funding from the Government of Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme, we deliver direct frontline welfare assistance to approximately 1,500 Irish emigrants each year, while an additional 30,000 individuals access our resources online. Our comprehensive services include pre-departure information, connecting individuals with support systems abroad, and guiding returning emigrants through their resettlement in Ireland, with a particular focus on those who are marginalized or in crisis situations.
To continue our important work and expand our reach, we invite you to support us through a donation. Your contribution can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. Together, we can ensure that every Irish citizen has access to the support they deserve, no matter where they are in the world.
