Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
685. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of stamp 2 (work and study) visas issued in 2023, 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71480/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra686. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of people issued with a stamp 2 (work and study) in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, that remain in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71481/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra687. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of stamp 2 Visas that are currently issued in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71482/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 685, 686 and 687 together.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish a National Migration and Integration Strategy detailing how the Government intends to meet the demands and opportunities facing Ireland’s society and economy over the next decade. My Department is currently working with other Government Departments to develop this strategy with the aim to publish it in 2026.
As part of this strategic approach, I am reviewing the area of student permissions, including with regard to English Language students. This work is aimed at ensuring that the system remains robust and rules-based, supports high-quality education providers, and continues to offer a positive experience for genuine students coming to Ireland.
International students from outside the EU/EEA are granted a permission on Stamp 2 conditions where they have enrolled on, and commenced a course listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), or eligible programmes offered by providers with authorisation to use the new TrustEd Education mark awarded by the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
The primary purpose of the Stamp 2 is to provide opportunities for study in Ireland. All applicants must show that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment. Stamp 2 holders may, however, engage in casual employment for a maximum of 20 hours per week during school term and 40 hours per week during holidays.
The table below details the number of people granted a student immigration permission in 2023 and 2024. Figures for 2025 will be available in early 2026.
|
Year |
Number of Stamp 2 Registrations |
|
2023 |
60,882 |
|
2024 |
60,901 |
* Figures are correct at time of issue however all statistics may be subject to data cleansing
** Numbers reflect those required to register/renew in a calendar year. Most renewals are annual. However, there may be students that were required to register/renew multiple times in the same calendar year. These numbers per year should not be summed to an overall total but rather reflect the number required to register/renew in that calendar year.
