The Minister for Justice has announced interim arrangements to allow International Protection applicants access to the labour market pending the European Commission’s approval of Ireland’s opt in to the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive.
The Government has agreed that from 9 February 2018 until the date of entry into force of the EU Directive:
- all applicants for International Protection will be able to access the Employment Permits System of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation on the same basis as other non-EEA nationals;
- under his discretionary powers, the Minister will introduce an administrative scheme to allow for access to self-employment for eligible applicants (applicants 9 months or more without a first instance decision); and
- the Implementation Group, established by Government, will continue to make all arrangements for the State to opt into the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive at the earliest time possible.
For more information:
- Read Department of Justice and Equality press release
- See summary of N.H.V v Minister for Justice & Equality and ors
- See Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation – Employment Permits section
