What is the change?

The Irish government have announced that foreign nationals with valid immigration permission, which expires between 21 September 2021 and 15 January 2022 will be granted an automatic extension until 15 January 2022.

Key points:

• Implementation time frame: This change is set to take effect immediately. Burgh Quay will remain open for first time registrations only.
• Who is affected: All foreign nationals residing in Ireland with valid immigration permission (based on employment, studies, dependant family, tourism etc) due to expire between 21 September 2021 and 15 January 2022 are now provided an automatic extension until 15 January 2022. Additionally any permission which was renewed by the seven previous automatic extensions is also automatically renewed by this notice.  
• Next steps: Employers should update their employees with upcoming Irish Residence Permit expiries. Individuals located in Dublin who need to renew their IRP permission can still do so using the online renewal platform. Regional registration offices (outside Dublin) remain open, subject to COVID-19 restriction; meaning that individuals residing outside of Dublin may still be able to register and renew their permission at their local Garda station.

Analysis & Comments:

The Irish government has made this decision as part of the response to COVID-19, in-line with recent restrictions and this is intended to be a final temporary extension issued.

In Ireland, all non-EEA nationals must apply for an employment permit to work. For certain nationalities, individuals must then apply for an entry visa to enter Ireland to commence work. Once in Ireland, all non-EEA nationals must apply for an Irish Residence Permit to register their permission and reside. This Irish Residence Permit is to be renewed in Ireland when appropriate by the non-EEA national.

This automatic extension comes after the previous seven extensions that were implemented first, on 20 March 2020; second, on 13 May 2020; third, on 16 July 2020; fourth, on 20 August 2020; fifth, on 18 September 2020; sixth on 23 December 2020; and seventh 21 April 2021. Any permission that was renewed by these previous notices is automatically renewed by this notice until 15 January 2022.

This measure has been introduced to allow foreign nationals additional time to renew their permissions prior to 15 January 2022. This ensures that employees retain their permission under the same conditions during this time. It is important to note that foreign nationals will not receive an updated permission as part of this announcement. If they wish to travel before renewing their residency permission, we advise contacting our Deloitte immigration team in advance of departing Ireland.

All renewals in the Dublin area are now being processed online only. This system has been available since 20 July 2020 and continues to operate.  

If you have employees or potential new hires who may be impacted by the above changes, please contact the Deloitte immigration team to assist. We continue to update our FAQ for employers found here.