Recent developments
On 22nd April, the Immigration Service Delivery updated its FAQ document on the ‘Impact of Covid-19 on Immigration and International Protection’ explaining the most recent updates to asylum and migration services in Ireland.
Citizenship, immigration registration and permissions
On 6th May, the Department of Justice announced that the Registration Office at Burgh Quay will reopen to customers living in Dublin area on 10th May. Burgh Quay was temporarily closed on 23rd December 2020 following the announcement of Government public health restrictions.
On 26th March, the Department of Justice announced that immigration permissions due to expire between 21st April and 20 September 2021 are automatically extended. All registration renewals for persons residing in the Dublin area are being processed online. Registrations outside the Dublin area are processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau through the Garda Station network.
On 18th January, the Department of Justice announced the launch of a temporary measure allowing citizenship applicants to complete the naturalisation process by signing a declaration of loyalty to the State instead of attending an in person citizenship ceremony, all of which have been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Visas
On 22nd April, the Department of Justice announced that normal processing of re-entry visa applications has recommenced. With effect from 27th January, the Department of Justice announced the imposition of new visa requirements for passport holders from certain South American countries and South Africa. New visa and preclearance applications are temporarily no longer being accepted, except for certain priority or emergency cases.
International protection applicants
On 10th May, the International Protection Office (IPO) announced it will open on a limited basis for appointments only. Substantive interviews are resuming by video conference only until further notice in line with Government guidelines and public health advice. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the IPO stated it is operating with limited staff capacity and Temporary Residence Certificate (TRC) Renewal Appointments and call-backs are suspended. Applicants whose TRCs are due for renewal can apply online and will be issued a new card by post.
The International Protection Appeals Tribunal announced on 5th May that onsite Tribunal hearings scheduled up to 21st May 2021 cannot take place but will proceed online as remote/video hearings.
Employment permits
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment stated on 8th February 2021 that it is continuing to process applications for employment permits. However, given the new temporary visa arrangements, it may not be possible for individuals from visa required countries to travel to the State at this time unless the application is deemed to be priority/emergency.
International students
On 22nd March, the Department of Justice announced that as an exceptional measure, a student with current valid permission may remain in the State as a student until 20 September 2021. Students must however re-enrol on another 25-week English language course listed on the Interim List of Eligible Providers (ILEP).
On 2nd March 2021, the Department of Justice announced that 2020/2021 international students who are otherwise eligible to apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme may remain in or return to their own countries to study online for semester 2. These students will be deemed eligible to apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme if they meet all other existing criteria.
In line with the Framework for Restrictive Measures in Response to COVID-19 which requires all adult education to move all classes and learning online, the Department of Justice announced on 6th January 2021 that prospective English language students seeking to enter the State must wait to do so until in-person classes have resumed. Furthermore, anyone resident in Ireland with a student permission is required to attend scheduled classes and, in the current circumstances, this includes where classes are provided online.
EU Treaty Rights
On 15th January 2021, the Department of Justice announced that as a temporary measure applications for both EU Treaty Rights and Domestic Residence applications can be submitted by email together with copies of supporting documentation.
Return
The Department of Justice stated that voluntary return applications are currently not being processed. However, interest in voluntary returns will be recorded.
Undocumented migrants
The Department of Justice confirmed in 2020 that it does not and will not seek any information from an immigration perspective from either the Department of Employment and Social Protection or the HSE for persons coming forward for social supports or medical attention. Any undocumented migrant should not hesitate about coming forward to access health care or social supports during the Covid-19 crisis.
Information sources
For more information, see:
Information regarding the Justice Sector Covid-19 plans
Information regarding Immigration Service Delivery and the FAQ
Information regarding International Accommodation Protection Centres
