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IMPACT – HIGH
Ireland has adopted new COVID-19 travel and immigration policies, including a new exemption to quarantine rules.
Exemptions to 14-day quarantine. Ireland requires most arrivals from abroad to quarantine for 14 days at the address listed on their Passenger Locator Form. The Feb. 3 statutory instrument provides exemptions to the 14-day quarantine for individuals traveling to Ireland to carry out essential repair, maintenance, construction or safety assurance of:
The exemption is not available to travelers from “Category 2” countries. Category 2 countries currently include: Angola, Austria, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Republic of South Africa, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. All other countries are in Category 1.
Obligations on travel organizers. The Statutory Instrument states that any company or facilitator of travel into Ireland must take appropriate action to notify travelers of applicable COVID-19 travel restrictions. It places an obligation on travel organizers to refuse to organize, effect or facilitate the travel of individuals to Ireland if they have not satisfactorily met all requirements.
Employment permit applicants from visa-required countries. The DETE continues to process applications for employment permits. However, given current restrictions, it may not be possible for individuals from visa-required countries to travel to Ireland, unless the individual qualifies for entry under priority/emergency situations.
As such, the DETE has begun a process of contacting all employment permit applicants (employers and employees) who hold passports from visa-required countries. These applicants will be asked if they would like to:
Employment permit applicants from visa-free countries. Employment permit applications for nationals from countries that do not require a visa will continue to be processed.
Travelers are encouraged to review the current policies before traveling to Ireland. Employers should note that if an employee is not subject to the exemption described above, they may need to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Analysis & Comments: The Irish government continues to take steps to mitigate the spread of new variants of the COVID-19 virus. Employers should consider that this might cause delays to intended start dates of their potential employees, if the employment cannot be carried out from home. The response to COVID-19 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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
The Department of Justice and Equality has announced that it will temporarily cease accepting new visa and preclearance applications. These measures are designed to support COVID-19 restrictions on movement, including into and out of Ireland.
Key Points:
Priority/emergency cases will continue to be processed. These include the following:
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 follow the instructions given on the summary page as to where they should submit applications.
As of midnight on Jan. 27, in addition to countries that were visa-required prior to that date, passport holders of the following countries are now also required to apply for an entry visa or transit visa, as appropriate, before traveling to Ireland:
Analysis & Comments: The Irish government has made this decision as part of their efforts to mitigate the spread of the new variant of COVID-19. Employers should consider that this may cause delays to intended 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 these 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.
IMPACT – MEDIUM Under a change that took effect Jan. 16, all passengers arriving into Ireland are required to have a negative/“not detected” result from a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test carried out no more than 72 hours before arrival in Ireland.
Arrivals from Great Britain and South Africa will continue to require a negative/“not detected” result from a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test and must continue to isolate for 14 days in Ireland, even if they take a second test after arrival.
Analysis & Comments: The Irish government has made this decision as part of their efforts to mitigate the spread of the new variant of COVID-19. Employers should consider that this change may cause delays to intended start dates of their potential employees, if the employment cannot be carried out from home. All travelers arriving to Ireland must also continue to complete a Passenger Locator Form prior to arriving at port of entry in Ireland. If you have employees or potential new hires who may be impacted by the changes described, please contact the Deloitte immigration team to assist.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Ireland has implemented new residence processes for non-EEA family members of U.K. nationals following the end of the Brexit transition period on Dec. 31, 2020.
What does the change mean? Before the end of the Brexit transition period, eligible non-EEA family members of U.K. nationals could avail themselves of EU Treaty Rights in Ireland. That is no longer an option with the end of the Brexit transition period. U.K. nationals can sponsor their family member to live in Ireland, however. Depending on the nationality of the non-EEA family member, they will be required to apply through either the preclearance or visa scheme before entering Ireland.
Background: Before the end of the Brexit transition period, eligible non-EEA family members of U.K. nationals could receive “Stamp 4 EU Fam” permission to reside in Ireland under EU Treaty Rights. The U.K.’s Brexit transition period ended on Dec. 31, 2020, meaning non-EEA family members of U.K. nationals will no longer be able to avail themselves of EU Treaty rights. However, U.K. nationals will be able to act as a sponsor for their non-EEA family members should the family members wish to live in Ireland and meet the eligible criteria.
Non-EEA family members of U.K. nationals may be eligible to avail of this scheme if they are:
Both the applications for a Join Family Entry Visa and the preclearance scheme can be made online on the AVATS application system. Following the submission of the online form, applicants will need to file their full applications and supporting documents in line with local Irish Embassy policy. Non-EEA family members of U.K. nationals should not enter Ireland until they have been granted their entry visa or preclearance approval letter.
Analysis & Comments: Deloitte welcomes this update on the immigration process for non-EEA family members of U.K. nationals. Individuals should note that eligibility to apply to the above does not mean that it is automatically assumed that the non-EEA national’s application will be granted under the scheme. If a non-EEA family member of a U.K. national wishes to enter Ireland as a visitor, then the above does not apply. If you have employees or potential new hires who may be impacted by the above changes, please contact the Deloitte immigration team to assist.
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.
What is the change? The Irish government has announced that foreign nationals with valid immigration permission that expires between Jan. 21, 2021, and April 20, 2021, will be granted an automatic extension until April 20, 2021. Officials also closed the Burgh Quay Registration Office on Dec. 24 until further notice.
Additional Information: The Irish government has made this decision in line with recent restrictions as part of its response to COVID-19.
In Ireland, all non-EEA nationals must apply for an employment permit to work. For certain nationalities, individuals 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 and reside. This Irish Residence Permit must be renewed in Ireland when appropriate by the non-EEA national.
This automatic extension comes after the previous five extensions that were implemented last year on March 20, May 13, July 16, Aug. 20 and Sept. 18. Any permission that was renewed by these previous notices and now has a new expiry date between Jan. 21 and April 20, 2021, is automatically renewed by this notice until April 20.
Analysis & Comments: This measure has been introduced to allow foreign nationals additional time to renew their permissions prior to April 20, 2021. This ensures that employees retain their permission under the same conditions during this time. It is important to note that foreign nationals will not receive an updated permission as part of this announcement. If they wish to travel before renewing their residency permission, we would advise contacting our Deloitte immigration team in advance of departing Ireland.
All renewals in the Dublin area are now being processed online only. This system has been available since July 20, 2020. Such applications will continue to be accepted during these closures.
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, available here.
IMPACT – MEDIUM What is the change? Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has announced that all employment permits issued electronically since March will be printed and issued as hard copies. What does the change mean? Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, employment permits have been issued electronically since March. DETE will soon begin printing and mailing hard copy versions of these permits. The original, printed version of the employment permit will be addressed to the permit holder and sent to their employer or agent, who will then be asked to ensure that the employee receives the original permit. A certified copy of the permit will be printed and sent separately to the employer or agent.
Additional Information: The DETE will continue to issue electronic copies of employment permits for the foreseeable future; no change in this regard has occurred. The recent announcement was only to notify employees, employers and agents that DETE will soon begin to re-issue hard copies of employment permits. Employees and employers do not need to take further action at this stage. Analysis & Comments: Deloitte welcomes the reinstatement of the hard-copy permit issuance, because it will allow employees to hold their original, hard copy permits once again. Employers and employees should be sure to keep their original hard-copy documents safe and accessible at all times. DETE has provided a dedicated mailbox for employees and employers should they have any questions in relation to the printing system: EPPrintingqueries@enterprise.gov.ie. If you have employees or potential new hires who may be impacted by the changes above, please contact the Deloitte immigration team to assist.
We continue to update our FAQ for employers, available here.
What is the change? Ireland has adopted the European Union’s COVID-19 traffic lights system for determining entry policies for travelers from Europe.
What does the change mean? Under the system, regions in the EU/EEA and the United Kingdom are categorized as green, orange, red or gray based on their COVID-19 infection level and the availability of data. Individuals traveling to Ireland from green regions, or from Northern Ireland, are not required to restrict movement on arrival. All passenger arriving into Ireland from orange, red and gray regions are requested to restrict their movements for 14 days. This period of restricted movement can end for travelers who receive a negative/not detected result from a PCR test that has been taken a minimum of five days after arrival in Ireland.
Exemptions: The request that travelers restrict movement if traveling from orange, red or gray countries does not apply to:
It is the responsibility of individuals to determine whether their circumstances fall within one of the categories outlined in the EU Council Recommendation.
Analysis & Comments: The Irish government made the decision to adopt the traffic lights map as part of their efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. All travelers arriving to Ireland must continue to complete a Passenger Locator Form prior to arriving at port of entry in Ireland. Employers should consider that the change in policies may cause delays to intended 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. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.
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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
IMPACT – MEDIUM What is the change? The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services (INIS) has announced that individuals renewing their Immigration Registration Permission (IRP cards) online will no longer need to submit their original passport to the office in order to obtain an immigration stamp from the Burgh Quay Registration Office.
Additional Information:
Analysis & Comments: Deloitte welcomes this change. Previously applicants were required to send their original passport to the department once they had completed the online renewal application. The abolishment of this requirement means that individuals can retain their passport during the renewal process, and continue to use it for other purposes. It also eliminates the reliance on postal services carrying original passports.
When applying for their online IRP renewal, individuals should note that they need to be present in Ireland. Applications cannot be filed whilst individuals are outside of Ireland. Passports will no longer be stamped to indicate the applicants’ permission in Ireland. This means that all non-EEA nationals should ensure to renew their permission in a timely manner prior to their IRP expiry, so as to ensure they do not encounter gaps in their permission.
Applicants should note that if they have been granted a new passport, they will need to attend an appointment in order to renew their IRP card. This applies to all non-EEA nationals living in Ireland. If you have employees or potential new hires who may be impacted by the above changes, please contact the Deloitte immigration team to assist.
What is the change? Brexit will come fully into effect on Jan. 1, 2021 when the U.K. leaves the EU after the end of the transition period.
What does the change mean? The Department of Justice has announced that nothing will change for U.K. nationals living in Ireland; they may continue to reside, work and travel in Ireland. Similarly, family members and dependents of U.K. Nationals who are living in Ireland with valid ‘Stamp 4 EU Fam’ permission, will retain their same residency rights. However, they will be required to exchange their current ‘Stamp 4 EU Fam’ Irish Residence Permit (IRP) Card for a new one that will state their residence rights derive from EU Free Movement under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Analysis & Comments: Deloitte welcomes this update on the position of non-EEA dependents and family members of U.K. nationals currently in Ireland. The update means that such individuals will retain their rights to live, work and study in Ireland.
Non-EEA dependents and family members of U.K. nationals, will still need to hold a valid, in-date IRP card in order to reside and travel in and out of Ireland. They will also need to exchange their current ‘Stamp 4 EU Fam IRP’ card by 31 December 2021. Employers should reach out to any employees who may be impacted by this change, and ensure that their permission is updates by this date.
The process for non-EEA dependents and family members of U.K. nationals who wish to enter Ireland post Brexit (after Dec. 31, 2020), has not yet been confirmed. Deloitte will assess this process once the details are released.
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.
What is the change? Preclearance applications now must be completed for anyone wishing to enter Ireland as a volunteer, minister of religion, de facto partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holder or a de facto partner of an Irish national.
What does the change mean? Previously, preclearance applications were to be manually completed on paper form and then submitted to the Preclearance Unit. The Department of Justice has announced that all preclearance application forms must now be completed on the online application systems “AVATS.” This means that the process is now a one-step online application process. For visa-reqduired nationals this streamlines the previous two-step process.
Analysis & Comments: Deloitte welcomes this change from a paper to an online application form, which should create a more streamlined application process, particularly for visa required nationals.
Visa required nationals previously had to apply separately for a preclearance approval letter, and once they had obtained this, they could then apply for their Irish Entry Visa. These two processes are now captured under one application process, and the need for a visa required national to hold a preclearance letter has been eliminated. This should result in a speedier and easier application process.
Both visa required and non-visa required nationals should complete the application process outside of Ireland. Even individuals who do not require a visa to enter Ireland should apply outside of the state and not travel to Ireland until they have their preclearance approval letter.
Once in Ireland, individuals will still need to register their permission and receive their Irish Residence Permit (IRP card), in line with standard procedure.