Immigration services suspended, self-quarantine measures imposed

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has announced that Irish embassies and consulates, as well as visa processing centers, are temporarily not accepting applications for entry visas, and all registration offices in Ireland are closed until further notice. Additionally, self-quarantine measures are in force for anyone entering Ireland.

Key Points:

• As of March 20, Irish embassies, consulates and visa processing centers worldwide are no longer accepting new entry visa applications.
• Registration offices, where foreign nationals register their immigration permission once in Ireland, are closed.
• As of March 19, anyone entering Ireland, including Irish nationals, must undergo 14 days of self-quarantine.

Additional information: Foreign nationals with valid immigration permission due to expire between March 20 and May 20, will be granted an automatic two-month extension. Emergency entry visa applications will be accepted for health care professionals or immediate family members of Irish nationals. Self-quarantine is not required for those entering the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland.

Analysis & Comments: The automatic two-month extension of immigration permission is good news for employers, as it ensures employees will retain their immigration status under the same conditions. However, employees from visa-required countries with an approved employment permit will not be able to apply for an entry permit to travel to Ireland. The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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