Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2026
744. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the systems in place to verify the authenticity of identity and residency documents presented by non-EU nationals seeking to work on Irish-registered fishing vessels; whether there have been cases of falsified documentation or identity fraud detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8347/26]
View answerImplementing effective border security arrangements is a priority for me as Minister, and a range of checks are in place to verify the identity and documentation of non-EEA nationals seeking to work in the State, including those intending to work on Irish-registered fishing vessels.
Non-EEA Sea Fishers seeking employment on Irish-registered vessels are required to apply for a General Employment Permit before they can travel to Ireland. Employment Permits and the checks they entail are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
Where a person is visa-required, they must also apply for an employment visa prior to travel. It should be noted that Visa and preclearance applications are screening processes which are separate to the granting of a Work Permit and require the submission of passports, employment permits and other supporting documentation. The Visa Office undertakes verification checks on all applications, including examination of documents and validation of information provided, and may seek additional information where necessary before a decision is made.
On arrival in the State, all EU and non-EEA nationals are subject to immigration controls. Under Section 11 of the Immigration Act 2004, individuals must be in possession of a valid passport or travel document establishing their identity and nationality and, where applicable, a valid employment permit and visa. Immigration officers are empowered to examine documentation and, where not satisfied as to a person’s identity, purpose of travel or the authenticity of documents presented, may refuse leave to land under Section 4 of the Act.
My Department does not collate statistics in the specific manner requested and therefore does not hold figures on the number of cases relating specifically to non-EEA nationals seeking to work on Irish-registered fishing vessels where falsified documentation or identity fraud was detected.
