Changes to Ireland’s Visa Requirements and Employment Permit System

The Department of Justice has announced new measures in an effort to tackle the most recent wave of Covid-19. These changes are set to affect mostly passport holders from countries in South America and South Africa.

Temporary Visa Changes

Visa free travel from a number of South American countries and South Africa is banned under the newly introduced measures. Anyone wishing to come from these countries must apply for a visa online. In addition, the Department is to temporarily cease accepting new visa/preclearance applications from all relevant countries except in priority/emergency situations.

Employment Permit Changes

Whilst permit applications are still being processed at this time, individuals from visa required countries will not be able to travel to Ireland unless their travel situation is deemed a priority or emergency and falls into one of the categories above. As part of the new temporary process, all work permit applicants from visa required countries will be contacted and asked if they would like to:

• Proceed with the application as it is considered that the role is on the priority/emergency list.
• Hold application in the employment permit processing queue for processing at a later date, when the temporary Visa arrangements have been rescinded.
• Withdraw the application with a full refund provided.

Work permit applications from individuals from non-visa required countries will continue to be processed. However, Government advise against travelling to Ireland unless the travel is deemed a priority/emergency.