Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
584. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of employment (scientific researcher) visas which have been issued to workers in AI-related companies each year since 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73826/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that Ireland supports the entry of migrants through legal pathways, to facilitate lawful migration into the State.
My Department does not collate information relating to visa applications by industry or sector.
Visas or permission to remain for employment purposes are principally granted by my Department on foot of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment issuing an employment permit (including for those granted a Critical Skills Permit).
My Department has a separate specific Employment (Scientific Researcher) visa for people who wish to come to Ireland for the purposes of carrying out research under a “hosting agreement”.
Further details are available at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-work-visa-options/applying-for-a-long-stay-employment-visa/scientific-researcher/.
The table below details employment visa applications where the applicant applied on the basis of a Scientific Researcher / Hosting Agreement.
Employment Visa Applications (Scientific Researcher / Hosting Agreement):
|
Year |
Received |
Granted |
Refused |
|
2021 |
343 |
323 |
3 |
|
2022 |
460 |
435 |
3 |
|
2023 |
452 |
434 |
7 |
|
2024 |
502 |
451 |
8 |
|
2025 (to 30/11/25) |
180 |
207 |
3 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
* A decision made in a particular year may relate to an application made in a previous year.
