IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Ireland has changed its payment rules for non-EU nationals applying for short-term work through the Atypical Working Scheme.

What does the change mean? A non-refundable payment of €250 must be included with all applications. Beginning Jan. 1, payment must be completed through an electronic funds transfer (EFT). Between now and Dec. 31, payment can be made by EFT or by postal order, bank draft or company check. Applicants should note, however, that as of Dec. 1 payments made through bank draft or company check must be drawn on Irish banks.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing. Some of the changes took effect Dec. 1. The requirement that payment be made by EFT will take effect Jan. 1.  
  • Visas/permits affected: Employment visas (Atypical Working Scheme).
  • Who is affected: Non-EU nationals applying for short-term work through the Atypical Working Scheme.
  • Impact on processing times: Applications that are not accompanied by appropriate payment may be rejected or unnecessarily delayed.

Background: The Atypical Working Scheme allows non-EEA nationals to come to Ireland for between 14 and 90 days for types of work that are not governed by the Employment Permits Act. Applications are considered by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in conjunction, when necessary, with the Employment Permits Section of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Authorities announced changes to the payment rules last month. Those paying by check or bank draft must use an Irish bank. Checks drawn on foreign banks will not be accepted. Those paying via EFT should write “Atypical” and their full name as it appears on their passport in the “reason for payment” and/or “reference” sections. They must also mark the EFT box on their application and provide their EFT transaction code.

BAL Analysis: Those who fail to follow the new payment rules risk having their applications denied. Contact BAL if you have any questions about the appropriate payment methods.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.

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