What is the change? The Burgh Quay Registration Office has reopened after five months of closures because of COVID-19 restrictions. First-time registrants can now book appointments online through this online portal.

  • Implementation time frame: The office reopened Monday, May 10.
  • Who is affected: All non-EEA nationals living with residential addresses in Dublin who need to attend a first-time registration appointment.
  • Next Steps: Employers should update any employees or potential employees who need to attend a first-time registration. Individuals should not attend the offices without a pre-booked appointment.

Analysis & Comments: Deloitte welcomes the news that the Registration Office is re-opening in Dublin, as this will allow individuals residing in Dublin to register their residency in Ireland and obtain their IRP cards.

We understand that because of COVID-19 restrictions some individuals are currently holding IRP cards that are not in date. The re-opening of the offices means that non-EEA nationals who require a physical, in-date, IRP card, can now obtain one, and should do so at their earliest convenience.

Non-EEA nationals residing in Dublin may continue to renew their permission online. More information can be found here.

If you have employees or potential new hires who may be impacted by the above changes, please contact the Deloitte immigration team to assist. We continue to update our FAQ for employers found here.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The Irish government has announced that it will continue to suspend the processing of new entry visa applications at Irish embassies, consulates and visa processing centers around the world.

Key Points:

  • The current extension will remain in effect until further notice.
  • The suspension affects all visa-required nationals seeking to apply for an entry visa, including employees with approved employment permits still needing an entry visa.
  • Employers are encouraged to remind affected employees that they will not be able to apply for visas at this time.

Background: All non-EEA nationals must apply for an employment permit to work in Ireland. Certain nationalities must 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 to reside.

Analysis & Comments: The Irish government extended the suspension in order to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The extension means that employees from visa-required countries who hold an approved employment permit will not be able to apply for an entry visa at this time. Certain emergency entry visa applications will be accepted, including for urgent business-critical cases, healthcare professionals or immediate family members of Irish nationals. The Irish government has announced that anyone coming into Ireland, with some exceptions based on purpose of entry, will be required to restrict their movements or self-isolate on arrival for 14 days.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Ireland has added India and four other countries to its list of “Category 2” locations that are subject to a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine. The change took effect May 4.

Key Points:

  • The countries that were added to the “Category 2” list are India, Costa Rica, Georgia, Iran and Mongolia.
  • There are now 71 countries and territories classified as “Category 2.” The full list is available here.
  • The mandatory hotel quarantine applies to anyone who has been in any of the “Category 2” locations in the 14 days before entering Ireland, including people who transited through any of the countries/territories. It also applies to anyone who does not have a negative or “not detected” RT-PCR test, regardless of from where they are traveling.
  • Affected travelers will be required to complete 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine at a designated facility. The accommodation must be pre-booked and paid for before traveling to Ireland. The quarantine time can be reduced if a traveler receives a negative/not detected result from a COVID-19 test that is taken after ten days. The quarantine time will be extended if an individual tests positive during their stay.

Additional Information: Individuals traveling from a “Category 2” country or territory will met by members of the Defence Forces upon arriving in Ireland to ensure that they are safely and securely transported to the location where they will complete their pre-booked quarantine. Travelers will receive a letter at the end the 14 days confirming that they have completed their quarantine. If affected travelers do not fulfil the legal requirement for mandatory hotel quarantine, they are committing an offense and may face penalties, including fines of up to €2,000, a prison sentence of up to one month, or both.

Exemptions to the mandatory hotel quarantine include:

  • Travelers arriving to Ireland in the course of duty and who hold a valid Annex 3 certificate (ensuring the availability of goods and essential services).
  • Travelers arriving to Ireland in the course of duty and who are drivers of a heavy goods vehicle.
  • Airline pilots, aircrew, maritime master or maritime crew and who arrive in Ireland in the course of performing duties.
  • Those traveling to Ireland pursuant to an arrest warrant, extradition proceedings or other mandatory legal obligation.
  • Members of An Garda Síochána or Defence Forces (or their equivalents from another state) and traveling to Ireland in course of duty.
  • Those traveling to Ireland for unavoidable, imperative and time-sensitive medical reasons, provided these reasons are certified by a registered medical practitioner or person with equivalent qualifications outside of Ireland.
  • Those who were outside of Ireland to provide services to or perform the functions of an office holder (under any enactment or the Constitution) or a member of either House of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament.
  • Diplomats and certain other categories of persons entitled to privileges and immunities in Ireland.

Analysis & Comments: It is important to note that the list of designated states will be subject to change at short notice and passengers should be sure to check the list before traveling to Ireland, to be sure of their obligations.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Ireland has exempted fully vaccinated individuals and families with newborn children from the normal quarantine requirements for travelers from “Category 2” countries.

While these travelers will not be required to quarantine in a hotel, they still must provide a negative pre-departure PCR test and complete a period of self-quarantine at home or another location specified on their passenger locator form. The changes took effect Saturday, April 17.

Key Points:

  • Travelers from “Category 2” countries will not have to quarantine in a hotel if they have documents to show they are fully vaccinated.
  • Families traveling with newborn babies (no more than 28 days old), including those who have traveled to a designated country for the purpose of surrogacy, will not have to complete mandatory hotel quarantine upon arrival in Ireland.
  • Generally, travelers from “Category 2” countries must complete a 10-day hotel quarantine upon arriving in Ireland. Travelers are responsible for booking their own accommodations in this regard. An updated list of “Category 2” countries is available here.
  • Other exemptions to the mandatory hotel quarantine include:
    • Travelers arriving in Ireland in the course of duty who hold a valid Annex 3 certificate (ensuring the availability of goods and essential services).
    • Travelers arriving in Ireland in the course of duty who are drivers of heavy goods vehicles.
    • Airline pilots, aircrew, maritime masters or maritime crew who arrive in Ireland in the course of performing duties.
    • Those traveling to Ireland pursuant to an arrest warrant, extradition proceedings or other mandatory legal obligation.
    • Members of An Garda Síochána or Defence Forces (or their equivalents from another country) traveling to Ireland in the course of duty.
    • Those traveling to Ireland for unavoidable, imperative and time-sensitive medical reasons provided a registered medical practitioner or person with equivalent qualifications outside of Ireland has certified their reasons for travel.
    • Those having been outside of Ireland to provide services to or perform the functions of an office holder (under any enactment or the Constitution) or a member of either house of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament.
    • Diplomats and certain other categories of persons entitled to privileges and immunities in Ireland.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should update their employees who are seeking to enter Ireland and should remain aware that those who are now exempt must still quarantine at home and may exit quarantine with a negative or “not detected” PCR test taken five days following their arrival at the earliest.

The Irish government has made this recommendation, which is line with other countries, in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It is important to note that the list of designated countries will be subject to change at short notice and passengers are required to check the list before traveling to Ireland, to be sure of their obligations.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Canada, France, Italy and the United States are among the 16 countries Ireland will add to its list of “Category 2” locations that are subject to a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine. The change will take effect from April 15.

Key Points:

  • The countries that were added to the “Category 2” list are: Armenia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Curaçao, France, Italy, Kenya, Luxembourg, Maldives, Pakistan, Turkey, Ukraine and the United States.
  • There are now 71 countries and territories classified as “Category 2.” The full list is available here.
  • The mandatory hotel quarantine applies to anyone who has been in any of the “Category 2” locations in the 14 days before entering Ireland, including people who transited through any of the countries/territories. It also applies to anyone who does not have a negative or “not detected” RT-PCR test, regardless of from where they are traveling.
  • Affected travelers will be required to complete 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine at a designated facility. The accommodation must be pre-booked and paid for before traveling to Ireland. The quarantine time can be reduced if a traveler receives a negative/not detected result from a COVID-19 test that is taken after ten days. The quarantine time will be extended if an individual tests positive during their stay.

Additional Information: Individuals traveling from a “Category 2” country or territory will met by members of the Defence Forces upon arriving in Ireland to ensure that they are safely and securely transported to the location where they will complete their pre-booked quarantine. Travelers will receive a letter at the end the 14 days confirming that they have completed their quarantine. If affected travelers do not fulfil the legal requirement for mandatory hotel quarantine, they are committing an offense and may face penalties, including fines of up to €2,000, a prison sentence of up to one month, or both.

Exemptions to the mandatory hotel quarantine include:

  • Travelers arriving to Ireland in the course of duty and who hold a valid Annex 3 certificate (ensuring the availability of goods and essential services).
  • Travelers arriving to Ireland in the course of duty and who are drivers of a heavy goods vehicle.
  • Airline pilots, aircrew, maritime master or maritime crew and who arrive in Ireland in the course of performing duties.
  • Those traveling to Ireland pursuant to an arrest warrant, extradition proceedings or other mandatory legal obligation.
  • Members of An Garda Síochána or Defence Forces (or their equivalents from another state) and traveling to Ireland in course of duty.
  • Those traveling to Ireland for unavoidable, imperative and time-sensitive medical reasons, provided these reasons are certified by a registered medical practitioner or person with equivalent qualifications outside of Ireland.
  • Those who were outside of Ireland to provide services to or perform the functions of an office holder (under any enactment or the Constitution) or a member of either House of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament.
  • Diplomats and certain other categories of persons entitled to privileges and immunities in Ireland.

Analysis & Comments: The Irish government has made this recommendation, which is line with other countries, in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It is important to note that the list of designated states will be subject to change at short notice and passengers are required to check the list before traveling to Ireland, to be sure of their obligations.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The Irish government has announced that it will continue to suspend the processing of new entry visa applications at Irish embassies/consulates and visa processing centers around the world.

Key Points:

  • Under the current extension, the suspension will remain in effect until at least May 5, 2021.
  • The suspension affects all visa-required nationals seeking to apply for an entry visa, including employees with approved employment permits who need a visa to enter Ireland.
  • Employers are encouraged to remind affected employees that they will not be able to apply for a visa at this time.

Background: All non-EEA nationals must apply for an employment permit to work in Ireland. Certain nationalities must 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 to reside.

Analysis & Comments: The Irish government extended the suspension as part of its efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The extension means that employees from visa-required countries who have an approved employment permit will not be able to apply for an entry visa to enter Ireland at this time. Certain emergency entry visa applications will be accepted, e.g., for urgent business-critical cases or for health-care professionals or immediate family members of Irish nationals. The Irish government has announced that anyone coming into Ireland, with some exceptions based on purpose of entry, will be required to restrict their movements or self-isolate on arrival for 14 days.

If you have employees impacted by the changes described above, please contact Deloitte immigration team to assist. 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

What is the change? The Irish government has announced another extension of immigration permissions.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals with valid immigration permission that expires between April 21, 2021, and Sept. 20, 2021, have been granted an automatic extension until Sept. 20, 2021. This group includes individuals with permission extended under previous extensions. Permissions are extended automatically; no action is required.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: All immigration and international protection permissions that expire between April 21 and Sept. 20, including those that were previously extended.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals residing in Ireland with valid immigration residency permission expiring between April 21 and Sept. 20.
  • Next steps: Employers are encouraged to let employees with upcoming Irish Residence Permit expiries know about the extension.

Additional Information: The Irish government provided the extension as part of their response to COVID-19, including efforts to limit travel into and out of the country. The extension follows six previous extensions, in March, May, July, August, September and December of 2020.

Officials also announced that the Registration Office in Burgh Quay remains closed under COVID-19 restrictions implemented in December. Anyone who had an appointment scheduled for first-time registrations will be contacted by the Immigration Service and will be prioritized for an appointment once offices can safely reopen.

Individuals in Dublin who need to renew their IRP permission can still do so using the online renewal platform. These applications will continue to be accepted during the closures. Contact information for registration offices outside of Dublin is available here.

Analysis & Comments: The measure will provide foreign nationals additional time to renew their immigration permissions and ensures that employees will retain their permission under their current conditions until Sept. 20. It is important to note that foreign nationals will not receive an updated permission as part of this announcement. Employees who wish to travel before renewing their residency permission are advised to contact the Deloitte immigration team before departing Ireland.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The German government has removed Ireland and the United Kingdom from Germany’s list of COVID-19 “virus variant” areas, lifting travel bans had been in place since January. Officials reclassified both Ireland and the United Kingdom as “risk areas.”

Key Points:

  • Residents of Ireland can travel to Germany without providing a specific reason, provided they follow travel rules on testing and quarantine. Residents of the U.K. must generally travel to Germany under the rules applicable to third countries, though different rules may apply for EU nationals who live in the U.K.
  • Travelers from Ireland, the United Kingdom and other risk areas must:
    • Register at www.einreiseanmeldung.de before arriving in Germany and carry proof of registration when entering the country.
    • Present results (1) upon arrival of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the 48 hours prior to their travel to Germany or (2) within the first 48 hours after arriving in Germany.
    • Self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. The isolation period can be cut short after five days upon presenting a negative COVID-19 test.
    • The final decision on entry to Germany is made at the discretion of the Federal Police; however, airlines may also check to ensure that travel requirements are met. Travelers are advised to check with their airline before travel.
  • Brazil, the Czech Republic, South Africa and 10 other countries and regions remain on Germany’s “virus variant” list. Travel remains suspended to anyone who has been in these countries in the past 10 days, except for a few narrow exceptions, e.g., for German nationals and their immediate family or those with a registered domicile in Germany.

Analysis & Comments: The removal of Ireland and the United Kingdom from the “virus variant” list will ease travel for some, but a number of restrictions and health protocols remain in place.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Individuals traveling to Ireland from a “high risk” country, or who have traveled through a “high risk” country, are now required to complete a 14-day mandatory hotel quarantine in a designated quarantine facility immediately upon arrival in Ireland. Individuals arriving into Ireland without a negative or “not detected” RT-PCR test must also complete this 14-day mandatory hotel quarantine, regardless of the country from which they traveled.

Key Points:

  • The changes are set to take effect Friday, March 26, from 4 a.m.
  • The change affects individuals traveling into Ireland from countries listed on the designated “category 2 list.” This refers to travelers who have been in or to a “high risk” country in the last 14 days before entry to Ireland, including transit travel through these countries.
  • Employers should update their employees who are seeking to enter Ireland after March 26, 2021. Affected travelers will be required to complete 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine at a designated facility. The accommodation must be pre-booked and paid for before traveling to Ireland. The quarantine time can be reduced if a traveler receives a “not-detected” COVID-19 test result after 10 days. It will be extended if a passenger tests positive during their stay.

Additional Information: Once travelers reach their port of entry, they will be met by members of the Defence Forces who will ensure that the traveler is safely and securely transported to the location in which they will complete their pre-booked mandatory hotel quarantine. Travelers will receive a letter at the end the 14 days confirming that they have completed their quarantine.

If affected travelers do not fulfil the legal requirement for mandatory hotel quarantine, they are committing an offense and may face penalties, including fines of up to €2,000, a prison sentence of up to one month, or both.

Exemptions to the mandatory hotel quarantine include:

  • Travelers arriving to Ireland in the course of duty and who hold a valid Annex 3 certificate (ensuring the availability of goods and essential services).
  • Travelers arriving to Ireland in the course of duty and who are drivers of a heavy goods vehicle.
  • Airline pilots, aircrew, maritime master or maritime crew and who arrive in Ireland in the course of performing duties.
  • Those traveling to Ireland pursuant to an arrest warrant, extradition proceedings or other mandatory legal obligation.
  • Members of An Garda Síochána or Defence Forces (or their equivalents from another state) and traveling to Ireland in course of duty.
  • Those traveling to Ireland for unavoidable, imperative and time-sensitive medical reasons, provided these reasons are certified by a registered medical practitioner or person with equivalent qualifications outside of Ireland.
  • Those who were outside of Ireland to provide services to or perform the functions of an office holder (under any enactment or the Constitution) or a member of either House of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament.
  • Diplomats and certain other categories of persons entitled to privileges and immunities in Ireland.

Analysis & Comments: The Irish government has made this recommendation, which is line with other countries, in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It is important to note that the list of designated states is subject to change at short notice and passengers are required to check the list before travelling to Ireland, to be sure of their obligations. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your designated Deloitte contact. Employees who are affected by the travel restrictions will be kept informed of any changes.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The Department of Justice and Equality has announced that it will extend its suspension on accepting new visa and preclearance applications to April 5. The measure is designed to support public health restrictions on movement, including into and out of Ireland.

 Key Points:

  • The temporary measure means that most visa applicants will not be able to complete their entry visa application process. Any application made online will remain valid until such time as restrictions are lifted.
  • Anyone, regardless of their nationality, visa/preclearance status or where they started their travel from who cannot provide proof of an essential purpose to travel to or within Ireland should not travel to Ireland at this time.
  • Individuals who do travel to Ireland should ensure that they hold a negative/“not detected” PCR COVID-19 test result. They must take the test no more than 72 hours before arrival in Ireland; travelers must also adhere to the relevant self-isolation period. Anyone who fails to do so is liable for fines and criminal sanctions.

Additional Information: Priority/emergency cases will continue to be processed. These include the following:

  • Workers or self-employed individuals exercising critical occupations including health care workers, frontier and posted workers as well as seasonal workers as referred to in the guidelines concerning the exercise of the free movement of workers during the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Transport workers or transport service providers, including drivers of freight vehicles carrying goods for use in Ireland.
  • Patients traveling for imperative medical reasons.
  • Pupils, students and trainees who travel abroad on a daily basis and third-country nationals traveling for the purpose of third-level study.
  • Persons traveling for imperative family or business reasons.
  • Diplomats, staff of international organizations and people invited by international organizations whose physical presence is required for the well-functioning of these organizations, military personnel and police officers,  humanitarian aid workers and civil protection personnel in the exercise of their functions.
  • Passengers in transit.
  • Seafarers.
  • Journalists, when performing their duties.

If an application falls into one of the above categories, the applicant can apply online in the usual way. Once the online application is completed, individuals should submit the application following the instructions given on the summary page.

Analysis & Comments The Irish Government has made this decision as part of their efforts to mitigate the spread of the new variants of the COVID-19 virus. Employers should consider that these efforts may cause delays to intended employee start dates of their potential employees, if the employment cannot be carried out from home. If you have employees or potential new hires who may be impacted by the above changes, please contact the Deloitte immigration team to assist.

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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.