Plans to simplify work and immigration permit process
The Government has announced plans for a single application procedure for employment permits and immigration permissions.
Currently to work in Ireland, a person from outside the European Economic Area has to first make an application to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a work permit.
They then have to make a second application to the Department of Justice for immigration permission.
In April 2022, the European Commission issued a proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and Council concerning a single permit procedure for employment permits and immigration permissions.
The Government has agreed to establish an inter-departmental working group, which will propose an implementation plan within six months.
“All interactions between businesses and the State should be as streamlined and efficient as possible, so I fully support having a single customer application system for permission to enter and work in the State, if that is possible,” said Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said.
“The Working Group’s report will allow the Government to consider opting-in to the single permit Directive at a future date,” he added.
Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys expressed her support for the development of a new, user-friendly system which makes it easier for enterprise and prospective workers to use.
“We should also aim to reduce costs through increased digitalisation and centralisation,” Ms Humphreys said.
“This would increase the attractiveness of Ireland in the very competitive international jobs market and enable us to respond effectively and quickly to meet the skills needs of the economy,” she added.
Article Source: Plans to simplify work and immigration permit process – Brian O’Donovan – RTE
