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IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Irish government has announced that the Irish Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme will be temporarily suspended as part of COVID-19 measures to restrict travel and protect public health. The program had allowed nationals of certain countries visiting the United Kingdom on short-stay visas to also travel to Ireland. Under the agreement, the visa holders had to leave Ireland before their permission to stay in the U.K. ended.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals from 17 countries were previously able to use their short-stay U.K. visa to enter Ireland, provided they could meet certain requirements. These nationals will no longer be permitted to use their U.K. short-stay visa to visit Ireland, but may apply separately for an Irish visa. This is a temporary measure, which does not affect the Common Travel Area rights of British/Irish citizens.

Key points:

• Implementation time frame: July 10, 2020.
• Who is affected: Nationals of 17 countries who hold a U.K. short-stay visa.
• Next Steps: Employers should inform all employees who may be traveling to Ireland under this program. Nationals of the affected countries will now need to apply for a separate Irish short-stay visa; however, many embassies are currently restricting issuance to priority/emergency cases.

Analysis & Comments: The program is suspended because of a divergence in approach between Ireland and the U.K. in travel measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has committed to publishing a Green List of countries July 20 that will clarify which countries are in a similar position to Ireland in terms of the disease. Those entering Ireland from Green List countries will not need to restrict their movements, and the suspension may be reviewed at that time.

If you have employees or potential new hires who may be affected by the above changes, please contact the Deloitte immigration team. We have created a guidebook for non-EEA nationals that explains how to set themselves up in the system and how we will support them through this new process, and we continue to update our FAQ for employers.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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IMPACT – HIGH

The Irish government has announced that Irish Residence Permit (IRP) holders in Dublin may now renew their residence permit online rather than having to attend an in-person appointment. Additionally the Burgh Quay (Dublin) Registration Office will re-open for first-time registration appointments July 20.

Key points:

• From July 7, the online IRP renewal system is available for non-EEA nationals whose residence permit has expired, or expires in the next month and who have an urgent need to travel.
• From July 20, the online system will be open to all individuals whose IRP/GNIB cards have expired, or are due to expire in the next month.
• From July 20, non-EEA nationals seeking to complete their first time registration in Ireland may visit the Burgh Quay Registration Office.
• This development will affect all holders of an IRP card who are resident in Dublin. All stamp types are eligible for renewal. Non-EEA nationals can use the online renewal platform if their IRP card expires within a month from the online submission date.
• Employers should notify all employees who hold an IRP card and are resident in Dublin. Those whose IRP cards have expired, or expire in the next four weeks, and who have an urgent need to travel, should apply for their renewal online here and will be required to create an online account. To complete the renewal application online, they must upload the relevant documents to the online platform. Employees should be aware that they may not be able to travel until they receive their passport and renewed IRP card.

Analysis & Comments: Deloitte welcomes this permanent change to the IRP renewal process, as it will allow the resumption of IRP renewals, without the need for an in-person appointment. It also removes the challenge of booking an IRP appointment at the Burgh Quay Registration Office and should make more appointments available for first time registrants. It further allows non-EEA nationals more flexibility in renewing their permission. The resumption of IRP renewals will also allow visa-required nationals to obtain permission to travel and re-enter Ireland.

We expect a high volume of applications because of office closures; therefore, non-EEA nationals should anticipate a potential delay in receiving their renewed IRP cards and passports. As this is the first time this system will have such a significant number of applicants, it is possible that further updates may be issued regarding the process and documents required.

This change will not affect non-EEA nationals who have not yet registered and received their first IRP card in Ireland, and these individuals will still need to book and attend an in-person appointment.

Immigration Service Delivery (which manages the process) deals with registrations for those resident in Dublin. The Garda Naturalisation and Immigration Bureau (GNIB) deals with applications outside of Dublin through the Garda Station network. GNIB is currently considering how it can reopen registration offices countrywide while adhering to public health guidelines, and applicants should contact their local office to confirm when they will reopen.

If you have employees or potential new hires who may be affected by the above changes, please contact the Deloitte immigration team. We have created a guidebook for non-EEA nationals that explains how to set themselves up in the system and how we will support them through this new process. We continue to update our FAQ for employers, available here.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Irish government has announced a temporary measure that allows non-EEA nationals who have entered Ireland, but have not yet attended their first registration appointment, to request a letter via email from the Registration Office, confirming their permission to remain in Ireland. The letter will serve as an Irish Residence Permit card.

Implementation time frame: This measure will remain in force until July 20.

Who is affected: Non-EEA nationals who have recently entered Ireland, have not registered with the immigration services and would fall into the permission categories in the table below:

Next steps: Employers should inform any employees or potential employees who have not yet managed to register their status in Ireland that they should submit their applications, including electronic copies of all required documentation to the Burgh Quay Registration Office by email (bqregofficeapplications@justice.ie). If successful, they will receive a letter confirming their permission to remain in Ireland. Once the Registration Offices re-open, those who have availed themselves of this measure will still be required to attend an in-person appointment to complete their registration.

Additional information: Non-EEA nationals are provided with a temporary permission once they enter Ireland at the border, which is usually evidenced by a stamp in their passport. If they intend to remain in Ireland for longer than 90 days, the stamp states the period during which they must attend an in-person appointment to register their immigration permission. Because of COVID-19, non-EEA nationals have been unable to register their permission, as the Burgh Quay and local registration offices are closed. This has resulted in difficulties including the ability of visa-required nationals to depart and re-enter Ireland.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

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IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Irish government has announced that foreign nationals with valid immigration permission that expires between May 20 and July 20 will be granted an additional automatic two-month extension. This follows the previous two-month extension that came into effect on March 20, meaning that some permissions may be extended for a total of four months.

This measure is in response to the temporary closure of the Irish immigration registration offices where foreign nationals are required to register their immigration permission once in Ireland.

• Implementation time frame: May 20.
• Who is affected: All foreign nationals residing in Ireland with valid immigration permission (based on employment, studies, dependent family, tourism, etc.) that is due to expire between May 20 and July 20. Any permission that was renewed by the March 20 notice and therefore has a new expiry date between May 20 and July 20 is automatically renewed for an additional two months.
• Next steps: Employers are encouraged to review their upcoming expirations and update the expiry date by a further two months.

Background: All non-EEA nationals must apply for an employment permit to work. Certain nationalities must then apply for an entry visa to enter Ireland to commence work. Once in Ireland, all non-EEA nationals must apply for an Irish residence permit to register their permission. Non-EEA nationals must renew this Irish residence permission when appropriate.

The first automatic extension of expiring Irish residence permits came into effect March 20 and confirmed that foreign nationals with valid immigration permission due to expire between March 20 and May 20 would be granted an automatic two-month extension.

Analysis & Comments: The second automatic extension of immigration permission is a welcome announcement as it provides certainty to employers and employees whose permission was due to expire. This ensures that employees retain their permission under the same conditions during this time.

While registration offices have been closed, Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has implemented several COVID-19 responses to mitigate the impact of the closures. They have permitted non-EEA nationals who are eligible to change their permission to apply electronically via email, rather than at an in-person appointment. They have further permitted non-EEA students who are eligible to apply to the Third Level Graduate Programme to apply electronically.

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

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IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Irish government has announced that any non-EEA nationals holding student permission (on an Irish Residence Permit Stamp 2) who are eligible for the Third Level Graduate Program may, under a temporary measure, apply electronically, rather than at an in-person appointment. This measure will allow applicants to move to an Irish Residence Permit Stamp 1G, with which they can work on a full-time basis.

• Implementation time frame: This measure took effect April 17. As a temporary measure, the time frame will be kept under review, amended and withdrawn when considered appropriate. The measure will cease to apply no later than Sept. 20.
• Who is affected: The change affects all holders of student permission (Stamp 2) who are eligible for the Third Level Graduate Program, but are unable to apply because of the temporary closure of the Registration Offices or because they have returned to their home countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers wishing to hire an eligible third-level graduate to undertake full-time employment may also take advantage of this measure.
• Next Steps: Employers should update any employees or potential employees who may be eligible for the Third Level Graduate Program. Eligible applicants should submit their applications, including electronic copies of all required documentation, to the Burgh Quay Registration Office by email at: (burghquayregoffice@justice.ie). Successful applicants who are granted Stamp 1G permission will still be required to register in person once the Registration Office and local Registration Offices reopen.

Analysis & Comments: The new measure allows employers to hire graduates on the basis of their Irish Residence Permit Stamp 1G with which they can work on a full-time basis until the expiry of their permission. It will allow students to move to graduate permission, which can be counted in later naturalization applications. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop and Deloitte will provide updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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IMPACT – HIGH

The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) has published a contingency plan to keep the employment permits system operational during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan allows for online submission for a number of immigration processes and indicates the DBEI will be flexible during the pandemic.

The plan was implemented March 30 and there is currently no end date.

Key Points:

• Employment permits will be issued electronically. Authorities will issue PDF versions of employment permits to the employer, employee and immigration agent. The employment permit will be accompanied by a letter from DBEI. Both the permit and the letter should be kept for verification purposes. Once operations return to normal, the original and certified copies of the employment permit will be sent to the employer and employee.
• Applications for Stamp 4 Letters of Support (renewals of CSEPs) may now be submitted electronically. The form should be submitted to EPStamp4@dbei.gov.ie. Decisions, including grant letters, will be communicated via email. Applications recently submitted by post can be resubmitted online. Applications can be submitted after 20 months of continuous employment on a Critical Skills employment permit but will not be processed until after 21 months.
• Appeals of Employment Permit decisions may now be submitted electronically. The form should be submitted to EPReviews@dbei.gov.ie. Decisions will be communicated via email.
• Employees retain permission to continue working while renewal is processing. Applications to renew an employment permit can be submitted between 1-4 months before the expiry of the current permit. Employment permit holders will be allowed to remain in Ireland and continue working while their renewal is processed. Once a new employment permit is issued, permit holders can apply to the Department of Justice and Equality to update their immigration permission.
• Trusted Partner (renewal and new) applications, Statement of Loss and Transfer of Undertakings can be submitted electronically.
• Rules requiring the surrender of employment permits have been suspended. Neither companies nor individuals will be required to return employment permits within the standard four-week period after the cessation of employment. DBEI expects that originals and certified copies will be returned only after normal operations resume.
• Accommodations may be made for applicants with pending applications. DBEI has said it can hold applications in the processing queue, change start dates or cancel applications with a full refund if the withdrawal is related to COVID-19.
• Applicants from visa-required countries will be contacted about their applications. Ireland has stopped processing entry visas because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency entry visa applications may be accepted for a limited number of applicants, including for healthcare professionals or immediate family members of Irish nationals. The suspension of visa issuance, however, will make it impossible for some employment permit applicants from visa-required countries to enter Ireland at this time. In these cases, both the employer and employee will be contacted. DBEI can hold applications in the queue, amend start dates or return applications with a full refund.
• Employment permit section should be contacted by email rather than post.
• Employment permit holders may work from home. An employer should send a blanket notification to DBEI.
• Officials are working to address temporary layoffs, reduced working hours and redundancy as a result of COVID-19. DBEI should be informed in advance of the temporary layoff/reduced working hours to record it in the permit file. At renewal stage, the salary and working hours as per the conditions of the permit granted may not have been achieved, however, DBEI has noted that where it is related to COVID-19, they will take this into account when considering applications for renewal. The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment scheme is available to all employees or self-employed workers, including non-EEA nationals, who lost their job on or after March 13 because of the pandemic. The Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme is available to help employers keep employees, including employment permit holders, on payroll throughout the pandemic. The Deloitte tax team has produced this article to give further information.
• If an employment permit holder has been made redundant, DBEI should be notified. DBEI should be informed within four weeks of the redundancy date, via the relevant Redundancy Form. The employment permit holder may seek employment in any eligible occupation and apply for a permit within six months of the date, and the Labour Market Needs Test is waived during those six months. The employer is then unable to secure an employment permit for that particular occupation for six months.
• Analysis & Comments: The contingency plan addresses many of the policy points Deloitte raised to DBEI. It will ease immigration procedures for employers and employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The DBEI has indicated it will be flexible on a case-by-case basis with employers affected by covid-19. Employers are urged to review the plan and contact Deloitte with questions regarding their COVID-19 planning. Employers should expect processing delays, as employment permits for medical personnel will be prioritized.

Deloitte continues to update its Ireland FAQ document as more information becomes available. Please contact your Deloitte professional to discuss specific cases that may be impacted by the pandemic.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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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.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Ireland’s visa application centers in China remain closed until March 9.

What does the change mean? Visa-required nationals applying for an Irish entry visa will not be able to complete application requirements in China.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing until March 9.
• Visas/permits affected: Tourist/business/work visas and work permits.
• Who is affected: Visa-required nationals in China and their employers.
• Business impact: Employers of Chinese nationals may experience delays affecting employee mobility.
• Next steps: Employers should anticipate continued restrictions regarding Chinese nationals and travel from China.

Background: Ireland originally stated that visa application centers in China would be temporarily closed until Feb. 16, and then extended the closure. The continued closure of the centers reflects the seriousness of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

Analysis & Comments: While it will still be possible to apply for an Irish visa online in the normal manner, the continued closures mean that appointments for applicants to have their biometrics taken or submit their documents at a visa application center in China will be delayed. Existing appointments may also have to be rescheduled, in which case, VFS will contact applicants directly. The response to the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Ireland’s visa application centers in China remain closed until further notice.

What does the change mean? Visa-required nationals applying for an Irish entry visa will not be able to complete application requirements in China.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Tourist/business/work visas and work permits.
• Who is affected: Visa-required nationals in China and their employers.
• Business impact: Employers of Chinese nationals may experience delays affecting employee mobility.
• Next steps: Employers should anticipate continued restrictions regarding Chinese nationals and travel from China.

Background: Ireland originally stated that visa application centers in China would be temporarily closed until Feb. 16. The continued closure of the centers reflects the seriousness of the ongoing coronavirus situation.

Analysis & Comments: While it will still be possible to apply for an Irish visa online in the normal manner, the continued closures mean that appointments for applicants to have their biometrics taken or submit their documents at a visa application center in China will be delayed. Existing appointments may also have to be rescheduled, in which case, VFS will contact applicants directly. The response to the coronavirus continues to evolve, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Ireland’s visa application centers in China have closed until Feb. 16 because of the coronavirus outbreak.

What does the change mean? Visa-required nationals applying for an Irish entry visa will not be able to complete application requirements in China.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Tourist/business/work visas and work permits.
• Who is affected: Visa-required nationals in China and their employers.
• Business impact: Employers of Chinese nationals may experience delays affecting employee mobility.
• Next steps: Employers should anticipate further restrictions regarding Chinese nationals and travel from China.

Analysis & Comments: While it will still be possible to apply for an Irish visa online in the normal manner, the temporary closures mean that applicants will experience delays in securing an appointment time at a center to have their biometrics taken. In some cases, existing appointments may also need to be rescheduled, in which case, VFS will contact applicants directly. The response to the coronavirus continues to evolve, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as needed.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.