No plans for further immigration permission extension after May

Since the beginning of the pandemic Minister McEntee has announced nine temporary extensions of immigration and international protection permissions.

This temporary permission means that people who held a valid permission to be in the State in March 2020 are legally permitted to remain until 31 May 2022 even if their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card has expired and they are awaiting a new one. At this time, according a Notice for Employers published by the Department of Justice on 23 May, there are no plans to issue an extension beyond 31 May 2022. Those covered by the extension are entitled to remain, reside and work in the State if their previously granted permission allowed them to do so.

If your employee is required to hold an employment permit, they must check with the employment permits division of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment regarding the issuing of a new or renewed employment permit.

International students who have arrived in the State and who wish to engage in employment should be able to demonstrate to employers that they have a valid landing stamp in their passport indicating they are required to register for a Stamp 2 permission on an approved scheme under the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).

The Department has asked employers to note that in relation to renewals in the Dublin area, ISD is experiencing a very large volume of applications. The current processing time to renew a permission is 10 weeks. It can then take a further two weeks to receive a new IRP card. If your employee’s IRP card has expired and they are unable to obtain a valid registration card by 31 May 2022, they are still legally permitted to remain in the State provided they show proof that they have applied to renew their registration and are waiting for it to be processed. All renewals are processed online and applicants are issued with a receipt of application and a unique application number (OREG number).

The Department of Justice has confirmed that non-EEA nationals who can show proof of application to renew their registration (via and formal receipt of application/ unique application number (OREG number) are permitted to remain in the State and to continue working. The intention is to assure people whose applications for renewals have been delayed due to the large volume of applications that they will not be penalised.

Prospective employees intending to take up employment under these arrangements should print this notice and present it if requested by their employer.

Employment permit and non-EEA National permission to work related developments

The Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment experienced a significant spike in applications for employment permits during 2021 impacting on processing times.

From the start of January to the end of December 2021, 27,666 applications were received, representing a 70% increase, showing there is a significant demand for permits as a solution to a labour shortage.

General Scheme of the of an Employment Permits (Consolidation and Amendment) Bill

The legislation DETE proposes to bring forward this year though the Employment Permits (Consolidation and Amendment) Bill 2019 when enacted, is intended to bring changes to the permit system to make it more flexible and reflect the nature of employment at any given time. It will also introduce the option of a seasonal permit which will be of assistance in certain sectors.

Review of Employment Permits Occupations List to launch during Quarter 2, 2022

Meanwhile a review of the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List and Ineligible Occupations List that takes account of current labour market circumstances will launch during Quarter 2, 2022.

Public Consultation (when open) will be accessible on DETE website and will invite submissions from sector representatives and interested parties.

Applications for critical permits are now down to in the region of six weeks processing time. The processing times for a general employment permit is now averaging 16 weeks, down from 23 or 24 weeks.

The 3,000 permits that were applied for since October in the horticulture and meat industry sectors had nearly all been processed by mid-May 2022.

Current processing dates for employment permits

Critical skills employment permit applications Date
Standard 19 April 2022
Trusted Partner 22 April 2022
   
General Employment Permit Date
Standard 20 Jan 2022
Trusted Partner 03 Feb 2022
   
Renewal Applications Date

(all renewal permit type applications included)
Standard 24 Jan 2022
Trusted Partner 03 Feb 2022
   
Requests for Support Letter for a Stamp 4 Date
Requests received 20 April 2022

*Source: Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment May 24, 2022

Ukrainians granted Temporary Protection to work in Ireland

Ukrainian citizens can work legally in Ireland once they have received their letter confirming they have been granted Temporary Protection under the EU Directive. See Ibec advice note.

Current processing times for Entry/ Landing Visas for Visa required nationalities

Citizens of countries whose citizens require an Entry/Landing Visa for Ireland:

- If coming to Ireland for less than 3 months will require short stay ‘C’ visa (tourist, social visit, business meeting, attend short course). Holder must leave Ireland no later than 3 months. Can apply for another visa to return.
- If coming to Ireland for more than 3 months (eg to study, for work or to settle permanently in Ireland with family members who live in Ireland) will require a long stay ‘D’ visa. Those granted ‘D’ visa wishing to remain longer than 3 months must register and get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
- Estimated processing times (as of May 2022) for Entry/Landing Visas type C and D is currently averaging 8 weeks

A list of Visa and Non Visa Required nationalities is available here.