Atypical Working Scheme updated

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Irish government updated the Atypical Working Scheme on Jan. 1, 2023.

Key Points:

• Irish authorities increased the salary threshold for AWS from the current national minimum wage to €30,000 (about US$32,550).
• Foreign nationals under AWS can stay in the country for up to 90 days and can travel outside the country for up to 90 days in a six-month period.
• Foreign nationals cannot enter Ireland on a new AWS for one month after the six-month period; however, they will be able to submit a new AWS application during the one-month “cooling-off period.”
• More information regarding the Jan. 1 changes to AWS is available here.

Additional Information: The changes above apply only to the “general” category of AWS applications (including the entertainment, biotech, pharmaceutical and technology sectors) and will have no impact on applications to enter Ireland as frontline medical personnel or under other AWS categories.

BAL Analysis: Businesses may see a slight increase in labor costs because of the new minimum wage requirement for AWS workers. Individuals are reminded that the aforementioned changes only apply to applications received on or after Jan. 1, 2023. Any applications that were received before Jan. 1 will be assessed under the scheme’s previous criteria.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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