In our Spotlight on EMEA series we provide a round up of the latest developments across the regions. In this post we focus on the very welcome news recently announced by the Minister of Justice for Ireland changing S4(7) of the Immigration Act 2004.
In a generous change to legislation and policy the Minister of Justice for Ireland announced that as of 15 May 2024 eligible partners and spouses of General Employment Permit and Intra-Company Transferees can now work in Ireland without requiring a separate employment permit in their own right.
Effective 15th May this change means that eligible individuals who currently hold an Irish Residence Permit with Stamp 3 can work immediately and are not required to switch their status from Stamp 3. Where an individual in these circumstances wants to take employment immediately they can rely on a letter provided to the employer. The letter can be accessed at the following link
Individuals applying for renewal of their Irish Residence Permit Stamp 3 holders will instead be granted Stamp 1G.
Individuals who have been granted family reunification under the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy and are incoming eligible partners and spouses, will immediately register for the Irish Residence Permit with Stamp 1G permission provided that they fall under the list below.
renewal of their Irish Residence Permit, Stamp 3 holders will now be granted a Stamp 1G. Any incoming eligible partners and spouses who have been granted family reunification under the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy and meet the below list will now register for their Irish Residence Permit with Stamp 1G permission. Such permission allows those under list access to the labour market directly and without the requirement for a separate employment permit.
The amended list includes:
The spouses and eligible partners of Stamp 1G permission, which was previously granted to Critical Skills Employment Permit Holder (CSEP) or Researcher on a Hosting Agreement, will now also be extended to the following;
- Spouses and eligible partners of Intra Company Transfer Employment Permit holders
- Spouses and eligible partners of General Employment Permit holders
- Spouses and eligible partners of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders and Researchers on a Hosting Agreement currently on a Stamp 3 are also now eligible for a Stamp 1G.
- A spouse or partner of a Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) on a Multi-Site General Employment Permit.
- A spouse or partner who previously held one of the above and is now on Stamp 4 permission.
- A spouse or partner who has been issued a Reactivation Employment Permit for a GEP, ICT, or CSEP Employment Permit.
If you would like more information on the recent changes in Irish Immigration policy please contact [email protected] and [email protected]