Irish officials announced that eligible spouses and partners of certain employment permit holders will now be granted automatic employment eligibility without the need for a separate permit.

Key Points:

• The Minister for Justice announced that eligible spouses and partners of individuals in the following categories will qualify for the new policy change:
  • General employment permit
  • Intra-corporate transferee Irish employment permit
• There is a temporary administrative arrangement in place which allows eligible spouses and partners who were granted a Stamp 3 as the spouse of a GEP or ICT permit holder previously (based on family reunification) to now be considered registered on a Stamp 1G permission.
• Stamp 1G status allows for them to work automatically without the need to obtain an employment permit.

Background: The application process for reunification and those who wish to join family members in Ireland remains unchanged; further information can be found here. When eligible spouses and partners renew their current Stamp 3 permission, a new Irish Residence Permit with Stamp 1G conditions will be granted. For those who are eligible and currently hold a Stamp 3, a new IRP card is not required to engage in employment; individuals may prove their eligibility with a notice letter presented in conjunction with a current IRP card endorsed with a Stamp 3.

BAL Analysis: This is a welcome change for eligible spouses and partners of certain employment permit holders who wish to work and live in Ireland without the requirement to obtain an additional employment permit. Irish officials announced the change as part of various measures to increase competitiveness in attracting additional skills and talent in the workforce.