Ireland | Labor Market Access permits now issued via email

Irish officials announced all Labor Market Access (LMA) permits will be issued via email beginning Jan. 29 for individuals under the international protection process.

Key Points:

• International protection applicants should be sure to provide an accurate email address when applying through the Immigration Service Delivery portal and with the international protection office where the permit will be posted.
• Authorities stated the unit is currently experiencing very high volumes of applications for LMA permission and there is currently a delay in processing applications.
• Processing time is approximately 90 days, and officials provided the following guidelines for renewal applications and employers:
  • For renewals, applications should be submitted two months in advance of the current permit expiration date.
  • For employers, please allow a grace period post-expiration (maximum four weeks) for permit renewal.

Additional Information: Previously, officials issued LMA permits in person via hard copy. Eligible international protection applicants can apply for permission to work and be granted LMA permission. This permission then allows access to employment and is valid for 12 months.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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