Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
364. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the arrangements in place for individuals (details supplied) whose current employment permit expires while a renewal or new application is still under consideration; whether such individuals are permitted to continue working and travelling during this period; the immigration status that applies in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23185/26]
View answerThe Registration Office of my Department is currently experiencing an exceptionally high demand for immigration permission renewal applications. I understand that the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and I can assure the Deputy that my Department is exploring every avenue available to facilitate as many customers as possible and to increase processing capacity. The Registration Office is already open seven days a week to facilitate customers, with the team also working overtime to assist with the volume.
Further measures to reduce processing times are currently being implemented with additional staff being assigned to this work. I expect that this will address the delays currently being experienced.
I can advise the Deputy that if a person's previous immigration permission allowed them to work in the State prior to submitting their renewal application, and they have applied for renewal prior to their permission expiring, they can continue to work in accordance with the employment conditions of that permission.
If, however, their current permission did not allow employment or their permission expired prior to applying for renewal, they are considered out of permission and cannot work in the State.
The Registration Office has also issued a notice to employers regarding the legality of employing someone awaiting renewal. This notice can be found here: www.irishimmigration.ie/notice-to-employers-regarding-employees-awaiting-renewal-of-their-irp-card/
If a person's Irish Residence Permit (IRP) has expired and they are unable to obtain a new one by the expiry date of their current IRP card, they are still legally permitted to remain in the State on their existing IRP card for a maximum of 12 weeks. This 12 week provision is subject to a person providing proof that they have applied to renew their permission, including when changing stamp category, prior to their current IRP card expiring.
If a renewal application is approved, applicants can expect to receive their new IRP card within the following 10-15 working days.
All immigration permission renewals in Ireland are processed online, and applicants are issued with a receipt of application detailing the date of application and a unique application number (OREG number). Once the online renewal application has been approved, an e-mail is sent to the applicant which can be used as proof of registration while the applicant awaits the delivery of their new IRP card.
As an Oireachtas member, the Deputy can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
The application referred to by the Deputy is currently under consideration.
