Online employment permits system up and running

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Ireland’s highly anticipated online employment system, which officials hope will make the application process smoother and faster, has gone live.

What does the change mean? Employers may now submit employment permit applications via the new Employment Permit Online System, or EPOS.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Employment permits.
• Who is affected: Irish companies filing employment permit applications.
• Impact on processing times: The online process is expected to allow for faster processing of applications.
• Business impact: The system will ease the preparation and submission of applications.

Background: Ireland announced plans for EPOS last year and officials subsequently said it would be implemented this month. The system will streamline the application process by allowing users to complete applications, upload supporting documentation and pay government processing fees on a single platform.

BAL Analysis: BAL has lobbied for a smoother application process for some time, and the online system is expected to help toward this goal. With time, the move to EPOS should improve the process and turnaround speed of employment permit applications. Short-term delays are possible, however, as the system is implemented.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.

About Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
Founded in 1980, Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) provides comprehensive global immigration services from six offices across the U.S. and from offices in Geneva, London, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. BAL manages global visa matters and customized application approaches for work permits, business visas, and residence permits in more than 100 countries. With a single cost center for worldwide operations, BAL offers centralized management with regional and local support for the complete spectrum of global immigration matters.

Source: Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP