Projects
We actively work on relevant projects and policy areas that aim to improve the experience of returning Irish emigrants and strengthen supports for the wider Irish diaspora.
US | Irish Driver's License Exchange Campaign
Safe Home Ireland are founding members and co-chairs of The US | Irish Driver’s License Exchange Campaign which was officially launched on 5th February 2025. This campaign brings together prominent individuals and partner organisations from both the United States and Ireland, united by a shared commitment to supporting the Global Irish community.
While many members have previously advocated for driver’s licence reciprocity individually, this marks the first collective and coordinated effort to bring about real change.
The aim of the Campaign is to make it easier for people moving between Ireland and the United States or vice versa, by encouraging both governments to introduce reciprocal driving license exchanges without the need to retake tests or repeat lengthy processes. We aim to reduce barriers, support mobility, and strengthen the ties between Ireland and the United States.
We are encouraged by the inclusion of this issue in the current Programme for Government, which adds significant political weight and momentum to the campaign. More information is available on the campaign website HERE
Together, the committee is actively working to secure reciprocity agreements with key U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, California, New Jersey and Oklahama, with the aim of streamlining mobility and reducing barriers for Irish citizens and U.S. citizens alike.
Driver's License Exchange Campaign Goals
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List Item 1
Enhancing Global Mobility and Talent Exchange
A driver's license reciprocity agreement supports Ireland’s "Global Citizens 2030" strategy by making it easier for Irish and U.S. citizens to live and work in each other’s countries, fostering collaboration and strengthening key relationships.
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List Item 2
Simplifying Life for International Learners and Workers
Reciprocity would help Irish citizens relocating to the U.S. for education or work, and vice versa, by reducing logistical challenges and allowing them to focus on their goals without navigating new driving systems.
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List Item 3
Strengthening Cultural and Economic Ties
License reciprocity would strengthen cultural and economic bonds between Ireland and the U.S. by facilitating smoother transitions, encouraging talent exchange, and supporting global competitiveness.
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List Item 4
Supporting the Irish Diaspora and Expats
A reciprocity agreement would reduce administrative burdens for Irish citizens returning from the U.S. and American citizens in Ireland, aligning with Ireland’s broader initiatives to support its diaspora.
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Boosting Business and Addressing Labour Shortages
Reciprocity would benefit businesses and help fill labor shortages in sectors like construction by allowing experienced U.S. drivers to work in Ireland without starting as learners.
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Facilitating Seamless Transitions for Returning Citizens
For U.S.-based Irish citizens returning home, exchanging their U.S. driver’s license for an Irish one would ease the transition and foster a sense of welcome and support from their home country.
To learn more about and keep up to date on the progress of the Driver’s License Exchange, visit; www.irishlicenseexchange.com
Safe Home Ireland is proud to be a partner of ERMiNe (European Return & Migration Network), a pan-European network of non-profit, non-governmental organisations dedicated to advancing intra-European mobility and strengthening the rights of EU migrants by promoting social inclusion and improving access to services. ERMiNe is funded by the Erasmus+ programme under the Small-Scale Partnerships in Adult Education, running from December 2024 to February 2026.
This marks Safe Home Ireland’s first European project and it has already opened valuable opportunities for shared learning, best practices, and collaboration across Europe.
The Nework is coordinated by Werkstatt für Sozialforschung e.V.
(Germany), and includes the following members;
- Ar pasaules pieredzi Latvijā (Latvia)
- Asociación Granadina De Emigrantes y Retornados (A.G.E.y.R.) (Spain)
- Barka e.V. (Poland / UK & Ireland / Germany)
- Bundesverband spanischer sozialer und kultureller Vereine (Germany)
- Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project (Ireland)
- Federación Española de Asociaciones de Emigrantes Retornados (FEAER)
- Italy Untold (Belgium / Italy)
- Raphaelswerk e.V. (Germany)
- Safe Home Ireland (Ireland)
- Volvemos.org (Spain)
ERMiNe was officially launched at the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, Dublin (24th–27th February 2025), followed by its second in person meeting in Brussels (23rd–26th June 2025). The next meeting will take place in November (24th -26th) and will be held in Berlin.
ERMiNe Fact Sheet
ERMiNe is a pan-European network supporting mobile and returning EU citizens - especially those with fewer opportunities who are often left behind.
Despite free movement being a fundamental EU right, many face real barriers - like missing social capital, cultural skills, or financial resources.
ERMiNe helps organisations work across borders, share good practices, and access EU policies and funding to better support citizens on the move.
ERMiNe’s goal is to make free movement real for all citizens - not just a legal right, but a lived reality backed by proper support.
ERMiNe advocates for the portability of rights qualifications, and services - so EU citizens aren’t penalised for moving or returning home.
With organisations in 6 countries and decades of hands-on experience, ERMiNe offers a proven, transnational model to strengthen reintegration, cohesion, and EU solidarity.
For more information about ERMiNe and how to get involved, see HERE
In November 2023, we established the Returned Emigrants Network (REN) to serve as a social hub to promote wellbeing, and to offer returned emigrants a chance to meet up and support each other, especially during the early days of resettlement.
The Network also seeks to identify and address some of the challenges and difficulties people have encountered on return and advocate for change at a policy level.
REN was launched in January 2025 in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, by the former Minister with Responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, Seán Fleming, TD.
The Network meets quarterly in Portlaoise, offering returnees a space to connect, reflect on their experiences, and highlight both the challenges and the successes of the return journey. These shared insights also serve as a valuable resource for those still in the planning stages of returning home.
Returning to Ireland after many years abroad can be both exciting and challenging. By sharing your experiences, you can help make the journey home smoother for others who are preparing to return.
For accessibility and flexibility, virtual participation in REN meetings is available. For more information about and how to get involved in the Returned Emigrants Network:
