Ireland Partners with ID-Pal on Digital IDV for Immigration Renewals

The Irish Department of Justice has partnered with ID-Pal to introduce an AI-powered identity verification system, enabling digital processing for immigration renewals nationwide. Starting November 4, 2024, applicants can renew their immigration permissions online via the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) portal, which replaces the previous requirement of in-person visits to Garda Stations.

This shift to a fully digital system is part of Ireland’s Digital Contact Centre initiative, aimed at enhancing the accessibility and security of immigration services. Previously, online renewals were available only in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Cork, and Limerick; the new system now extends to all regions across Ireland.

ID-Pal’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology offers real-time verification by analyzing over 7,000 identity documents and connecting to 200 verified address data sources worldwide. The company, which secured €7 million in Series A funding to expand its operations, ensures compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, while also adhering to GDPR standards. The software leverages mobile technology to validate documents, match facial data, and perform address verification instantly, streamlining processes for applicants and immigration authorities.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee described the new digital platform as a “significant step” toward modernizing immigration services, aimed at improving efficiency and response times for customer queries. The transition to ID-Pal’s technology allows the Department to manage identity verifications with greater accuracy and reduces manual processing tasks, which not only optimizes the applicant experience but also bolsters the security and reliability of government services.

In line with the Irish government’s broader digital transformation efforts, Budget 2025 has allocated €25 million for immigration system enhancements, with €5 million specifically designated for digital solutions. This modernization program will replace outdated systems with a scalable platform capable of supporting comprehensive self-service functionality, allowing applicants to interact more efficiently with immigration services. The Department of Justice also aims to address identity fraud by leveraging AI-driven identity checks.

Sources: The Irish Times, The Paypers

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November 01, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith