Aline Barbosa de Sousa,

Address: Apt 4 Woodquay Flats,

Woodquay, Ennis,
Co. Clare, V95 EN88

Change of Status,
Unit C – Domestic Residence and Permission Division,
Immigration Service Delivery,
Department of Justice,
13/14 Burgh Quay,
Dublin 2
D02 DXK70

Date: 9th April 2024

Re: Request to change status for permission to remain in the state.

Name: Aline Barbosa de Sousa
IRP Card No: 920277

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you in request to change my status for the purpose of being allowed to remain in the
State. In the following letter I will outline my circumstances in the State.

I have arrived in the state back in August 2019, with a student visa. My intention was to remain in the
state was an English student, however that circumstance has changed in June 2021 when I was able to
get a permanent work at Brogans Restaurant, in Ennis, as Chef de Partie, and for such I was able to
get my work visa. I had worked there up until November 2022. I had left my place in Brogan’s was
due to overworking myself and not having the proper pay for my working hours. I was contracted for
39 hours on a weekly basis however I was working over 52 hours weekly. I then found a better
opportunity at Zest Inc in Shannon Airport, same position as Brogans. I have started in the new place
in February 2023, and they continued on my working visa with a proper transfer from Brogans to
themselves. I am currently on a employment visa, stamp 1, that is up for renew in September 2024. As
I’ve mentioned, I first acquired my Stamp 1 back in June 2021 with Brogans Restaurant and Bar in
Ennis, as a Chef de Partie. And since February 2023 my employment permit has changed to Zest Inc
in Shannon Airport with the same position.

By trade and studies, I am a graduate in Architecture and Design in Brazil, as well as I have
qualifications for both Cusine and Barista. I have always studied hard in my life to give myself a good
condition in the future.

Unfortunately, my current situation in the State has slightly changed. While I am still currently on a
legal basis in here, I am scared of not being able to renew my working visa as I am not working at the
moment and most of my time in my newest employment, is being spent on maternity leave.
I am a 41-year-old single mother, with no family, as both my parents passed away a few years ago,
and so did my brother when I was younger. The only person I have in my life at the moment is my
beautiful baby girl who was born in September 2023 in Limerick Maternity.
As nothing in my life has been easy, my daughter is also with her limitations. She was born with
Down Syndrome, and heart defects. As I write to you, she’s recovering of her first surgery she’s done
in CHI Crumlin, which was done 3 weeks ago. She’s due for another surgery in the future, as her
heart is still not 100% and she still has some problems. She requires all extra attention possible, she is
on a feeding tube as she has no strength in herself to being fed like a normal baby. She is on different
medications to help her with her heart problems. As well as many other physical aspects of her
development, such as getting her to physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and so forth.
I am on my own, as her father has left us since she was born, as I believe he couldn’t fathom the
thoughts of having a special needs child.
I have a wonder social worker in Ennis helping me, she has been able to get me HAP and some other
benefits however even so, it’s not easy with everything else that my daughter requires. On top of it all,
I am also being given a counselling therapy by the hospital, as I have recurring issues with depression.
The nurses are not only worried about my daughter, but for myself as well. And I cannot fault the help
I have been given in this country, for both of us. For that, I am eternal grateful. And I also believe my
daughter Bella will also be.

In summary, I am politely asking you to grant me an immigration status that will allow me to stay in
Ireland. Please consider that I have come to this country in good faith, to work and live legally
however due to unforeseen circumstance I am not able to continue to work full-time due to my
child’s situation. I have never been a burden in the State and continued to obey the law. I am urging
the Department to exercise his discretionary power and to look upon this case humanely and with
compassion in considering my case and grant me a status that will allow me to live and work without
permit.

I would appreciate if you would consider my request to change my status and I will guarantee that I
will not be a burden in the State.

Please find enclosed supporting documents to support my request. Should you require further
information on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you in anticipation.

Yours sincerely,

.
Aline Barbosa de Sousa
(085) 255 6515