IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Irish government has announced that foreign nationals with valid immigration permission that expires between Jan. 21, 2021, and  April 20, 2021, will be granted an automatic extension until April 20, 2021. Officials also closed the Burgh Quay Registration Office on Dec. 24 until further notice.

  • Implementation time frame: This change is set to take effect immediately. No further extensions are anticipated after April 20, 2021. The Burgh Quay Registration Office will remain closed until further notice.
  • Who is affected: All foreign nationals residing in Ireland with valid immigration residency permission (based on employment, studies, dependant family, tourism, etc.) that is due to expire between Jan.21 and April 20.
  • Next steps: Employers should update employees with upcoming Irish Residence Permit expiries. Any individuals who have First Time Registration appointments scheduled at the Burgh Quay Registration Office on or after Dec. 24, 2020, should not attend their appointment. If the appointment falls during the office closures, then it will be prioritized for re-scheduling once the office re-opens. Individuals located in Dublin who need to renew their IRP permission can still do so using the online renewal platform. These applications will continue to be accepted during the closures.

Additional Information: The Irish government has made this decision in line with recent restrictions as part of its response to COVID-19.

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 must be renewed in Ireland when appropriate by the non-EEA national.

This automatic extension comes after the previous five extensions that were implemented last year on March 20, May 13, July 16, Aug. 20 and Sept. 18. Any permission that was renewed by these previous notices and now has a new expiry date between Jan. 21 and April 20, 2021, is automatically renewed by this notice until April 20.

Analysis & Comments: This measure has been introduced to allow foreign nationals additional time to renew their permissions prior to April 20, 2021. 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 would 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 July 20, 2020. Such applications will continue to be accepted during these closures.

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, available here.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.