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The Irish government has approved a 12.4% increase in the national minimum wage for 2024 as part of the annual budget.
Key Points:
Additional Information: Since the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Acts of 2000 and 2015, experienced adult workers are guaranteed a statutory minimum wage. The majority of employees (including part time, casual and temporary) working under a contract of employment are entitled to this minimum wage. From 2026, the minimum wage will be replaced by a national living wage set at 60% of the median wage in any given year.
BAL Analysis: Businesses may see a slight increase in labor costs because of the new minimum wage. Employers should take the new wage minimum into account when planning their 2024 budgets.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group.
Copyright ©2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Department of Justice has launched a project to issue Irish Resident Permit cards to Ukrainians and other third-country nationals who have been granted temporary protection.
Key Points:
Background: Temporary protection in Ireland applies to Ukrainian nationals who resided in Ukraine prior to the Russian invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. It also applies to third-country nationals (other than Ukrainians) or stateless persons who benefitted from international protection (refugee status) or an equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and lived in Ukraine prior to Feb. 24, 2022. It also covers family members, where the family existed in Ukraine prior to Feb. 24, 2022.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group.
IMPACT — MEDIUM
The Irish government recently opened registration for submitting suggestions for revising the Critical Skills Occupations List and the Ineligible List of Occupations.
Additional Information: The current Critical Skills Occupations List and Ineligible List of Occupations determine what occupations are eligible and ineligible for employment permits to nationals of countries other than Switzerland, the U.K. and those in the European Economic Area. The full lists are available here and here.
BAL Analysis: Irish authorities have requested for revisions to the Critical Skills Occupations List and the Ineligible List of Occupations so that they can address labor market shortages and protect the Irish workforce in key employment categories. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their revisions as soon as possible to avoid complications.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Irish government has announced that supplementary applications forms are no longer required for Indian nationals.
Additional Information: Those who are using an immigration representative must provide their details online via the AVATS application; if information is not submitted in AVATS, applications may be denied. More information regarding required documentation is available here.
BAL Analysis: Irish authorities removed the supplementary application form requirement to simplify the application process for Indian nationals.
The Irish government has provided updated guidance for beneficiaries of temporary protection who are planning international travel.
Additional Information: Information regarding visa requirements and how to apply for a visa is available here. More information for Temporary Protection Certificate holders is available here.
BAL Analysis: Irish authorities are allowing Temporary Protection Certificate holders to reenter the country on expired certificates to reduce processing times and simplify travel for temporary protection beneficiaries.
Additional Information: The current Critical Skills Occupations List and Ineligible List of Occupations determine what occupations are available to nationals of countries other than Switzerland, the U.K. and those in the European Economic Area and what occupations are ineligible for employment permits, respectively. The full lists are available here and here.
BAL Analysis: Irish authorities have requested for revisions to the Critical Skills Occupations List and the Ineligible List of Occupations, so they can address labor market shortages and protect the Irish workforce in key employment categories. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their revisions as soon as possible to avoid complications.
The Irish government has closed the Immigrant Investor Program to new applications.
Additional Information: The IIP was introduced by the Irish government in 2012 to encourage inward investment for the creation of business and employment opportunities in the country. The program was designed to encourage investors and business professionals from outside the European Economic Area to invest in the Irish economy and obtain residency status in the country.
BAL Analysis: The Irish government has yet to provide information on why it closed the IIP; however, it cited reports and findings from the EU Commission on similar investment programs. Foreign nationals are reminded that they can still apply for the Start-up Entrepreneur Program as a means to obtain residency status in Ireland.
The Irish government recently lengthened the submission window for individuals submitting Irish Residence Permit card renewals.
Additional Information: If an employee’s IRP card has expired and they are unable to obtain a valid registration card by the expiration of their current IRP card, they are allowed to stay in Ireland for up to eight weeks.
BAL Analysis: The Irish government lengthened the submission window for IRP card renewals to help ensure all applications are processed before card expiration dates.
The U.S. and Irish governments have agreed to extend a working holiday visa program.
Additional Information: U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin said working holiday visa opportunities “have enriched and strengthened the ties and shared values that bind the U.S and Ireland.” TIrish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Peter Burke said the program “offers an unrivalled opportunity to current students and recent graduates to experience a way of life on the other side of the Atlantic.” More information is available here.
The Irish government updated the Atypical Working Scheme on Jan. 1, 2023.
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.