Scanned signatures now accepted on employment permit applications

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Ireland’s Employment Permits Section is now accepting scanned signatures with the original form in most cases.

What does the change mean? The use of digital signatures will ease preparation of employment permit applications.

• Implementation timeframe: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Employment permits.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals and sponsoring employers.
• Impact on processing times: No direct impact on processing, but the change will allow applicants to avoid having to sign in-person and submit original signatures.
• Business impact: Digital signatures will streamline the process and reduce the overall time involved.

Background: The Employment Permits Section of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation announced the change Oct. 23 to take effect immediately. It noted that the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation reserves the right to request original signatures in certain situations.

BAL Analysis: Companies and foreign employees will have more flexibility by being able to scan and sign employment applications remotely.

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

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