Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
544. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if there are any instances whereby an international protection applicant would be considered for early labour market access ahead of the six-month eligibility period, such as sponsorship by a prospective employer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35202/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 230 of 2018), international protection applicants can apply for labour market access permission if are fully cooperating with the IP process. While an application for labour market access can be made five months after the IP application, permission will only be granted once an applicant has waited six months from the date of their international protection application.
The Labour Market Access permission allows the applicant access employment and self-employment and is valid for 12 months. The permission can be renewed until a final decision is made on the person's international protection application.
There are no circumstances where an applicant can be granted a Labour Market Access Permission before the 6-month eligibility period and there are no plans at this time to amend the 6-month waiting period.
From February 2024 the process of applying for Labour Market Access for International Protection applicants has moved to a new online application process. The new system has provided a more streamlined process and shorter processing times for all renewal and first-time applications.
The current processing time for applications is less than 4 weeks.
Any queries in relation to a person's eligibility or otherwise for a labour market permission can be directed to: Lmauqueries@justice.ie
More information and further details on labour market access permission is available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/labour-market-access-permission/
