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Probably one of the most exciting updates from the Department of Justice and Enterprise, Trade, and Employment this year is that the spouse or de facto partner of a General Skills Employment Permit or Intra-Corporate Transferee permit holder will now receive a Stamp 1G instead of a Stamp 3, starting May 15, 2024. This change means they can now join the workforce in Ireland without needing a separate employment permit. This not only reduces the burden on employers but also cuts down on costs. Before diving into job applications, it's essential to understand a few key points: 1)       Am I eligible for this transfer of condition? You are considered eligible when you fulfil any two criteria of the following: First Criteria: You are a spouse/de facto of a General Employment Permit (GEP) or Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) permit holder; You are a spouse/de facto of a Critical Skills Employment Permit Holder (CSEP) or Researcher on a Hosting Agreement; You are a spouse/de facto of a Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) on a Multi-Site General Employment Permit; Your spouse/de facto previously held one of the above and is now on Stamp 4 permission Your spouse/de facto has been issued a Reactivation Employment Permit for a GEP, ICT or CSEP Employment Permit. Second Criteria You joined your spouse/partner under the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy; You are legally resident in the State on a valid Stamp 3; You wish to engage in employment in Ireland; You are a non-EU/EEA/UK/Swiss national. Please note that you are not eligible if You are on a Stamp 3 other than spouse or de facto (dependent children/family members, volunteer, minister of religion, etc.). You are on permission other than Stamp 3 (visitor/ student visa); this change is only eligible for Stamp 3 holders. You do not hold valid permission to be in Ireland. 2)       Should I renew my IRP now if I am eligible? You are not required to renew your IRP immediately from Stamp 3 to Stamp 1G. The Department has given a one-year buffering period until 15/05/2025. Your Stamp 3 IRP will be automatically entitled to the conditions of a Stamp 1G. However, that doesn’t mean your IRP is automatically renewed. For Dublin, Meath, Kildare, and Wicklow residents, you will still need to renew your IRP before its expiry date. For residents of states other than those mentioned above, you must approach your relevant local immigration office for your IRP renewal. Once your IRP is renewed, the Stamp endorsed on your IRP will change from Stamp 3 to Stamp 1G. 3)       Can I apply for work using my Stamp 3 IRP and tell my employer I don't need an employment permit? The answer is yes because you are automatically entitled to a Stamp 1G condition and can work without an employment permit. However, you must attach a “Stamp 3 to Stamp1G Employment Notice Letter” issued by the department to your employer. You can download the letter here. 4)       What is the condition of a Stamp 1G holder? When you are entitled to a Stamp 1G condition, you will be able to: Work in the State without the requirement to obtain a work permit Undertake courses of study in Ireland But you are not allowed to: Operate a business To be self-employed Please note that Stamp 3 and Stamp 1G are both considered reckonable residences for applying for citizenship. If you intend to get a Stamp 4, you can apply for it after five years on a Stamp 1G. 5)       Recommendations and insight from Future Direct Future Direct sees this change as a significant milestone for Ireland, as it enhances the employment prospects for spouses/partners and eases the burden and costs for employers. However, the impression of holding a Stamp 3 and being entitled to a Stamp 1G may pose risks and confusion. Employers may struggle to verify if an applicant holds a Stamp 3 through their spouse or de facto partner. Even with provided documentation, verifying identity facts could require additional paperwork, potentially dissuading employers from hiring such individuals. Future Direct recommends that individuals promptly renew their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) to obtain a Stamp 1G endorsement, streamlining the hiring process. Dublin, Wicklow, Meath, and Kildare residents can renew online, while those in other areas should visit their local Garda Station. Future Direct is one of the leading immigration consultancy firms in Ireland. We provide immigration services to corporate and individual clients. If you want us to renew your IRP on your behalf, call us today at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie. We are happy to answer your questions and help you in this matter.

Future Direct has been receiving concerns and questions regarding whether they are considered illegal immigrant when their IRP has already expired, and they have yet to receive their renewed IRP. In Ireland, holding a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) is crucial to ensure your legal status in the country. If your IRP has expired and you haven't received your renewed permit yet, it's natural to have concerns about your immigration status. Here's what you need to know: Legal Status If your IRP has expired, you are considered to be residing in Ireland illegally. However, it's important to note that while your renewal application is pending with the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), you won't face immediate deportation. Grace Period The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has made an announcement regarding the 8-week grace period after one's IRP has expired. It states: "If an employee’s IRP card has expired and they are unable to obtain a valid registration card by the expiry date of their current IRP card, they are still legally permitted to remain in the State on the existing conditions of their current IRP card for a maximum of 8 weeks. This 8-week provision is subject to the employee providing proof that they have applied to renew their registration, including when changing stamp category, prior to their current IRP card expiring." Details of the announcement can be found here. Leaving the Country If you're from a country that requires a visa for entry into Ireland, going without a valid IRP can create complications. Without your IRP card, you may not be allowed to re-enter the country and might have to reapply for your visa. Always ensure you have your IRP card when planning to return to Ireland. Application Process Renewing your IRP or applying for a new one can only be done while you're physically in Ireland. Unlike employment permit applications, which can be made from overseas, IRP applications require your presence in the country. If you're applying for an employment permit from abroad, be prepared for additional steps, such as obtaining an employment entry visa after your employment permit is approved. Ensuring the validity of your IRP is essential, especially when you're outside of Ireland. Keeping track of your permit's expiration date and initiating the renewal process on time can help avoid legal complications and ensure smooth travels in and out of the country. Future Direct is one of the leading immigration consultancy firms that provide immigration services to corporate and individual clients in Ireland. Should you face any difficulties or rejections in applying for your residence permit in Ireland, call us today at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie. We are happy to answer your questions and help you in this matter.

A recent survey conducted by the Irish Times found that from December 2023 to March 2023, the public's attention was primarily focused on two key issues: housing and immigration. These topics emerged as the most significant concerns for people during this period, reflecting the pressing nature of housing shortages and immigration policies in Ireland. The survey highlights the importance of these issues in the public discourse and underscores the need for effective strategies to address them. Since Simon Harris became the new Taoiseach on April 9, 2024, there have been some changes in housing and immigration. In this blog, Future Direct will discuss what's new and what might happen next. Housing issues Ireland has faced a housing shortage for international immigrants, leading to a significant increase in rental accommodations in recent months. In a speech in early April, the Taoiseach aimed to solve this housing problem permanently. According to the progress report for the "Housing for All" plan in the first quarter of 2024, construction has begun on 12,000 building projects. This marks a 63% increase in approved new home projects compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, the government's implementation of a waiver and rebate scheme in the development levy is expected to further boost the supply of new homes in the upcoming quarter. Further, the government announced additional funds to solve housing challenges. The allocation of €100 million in funding will provide more beds and accommodation to more than 1,000 students at UCD, DCU, and Maynooth University. Provided that around 30,500 first-time buyer mortgages were approved in 2023. An additional  €40 million in funding has been allocated to promote affordable home ownership for first-time home buyers. The department is also actively working with TCD, the University of Limerick and the University of Galway to deliver 800+ student accommodations. The government is confident that increasing the housing supply in Ireland is the key solution to the housing crisis and remains optimistic about progress. However, there are still important questions that need to be addressed. Does the state have sufficient human power, like construction workers, to keep up the momentum? If Ireland were to attract more construction workers into the state, what would be the changes in the employment permit application process or the permit regulations and conditions? Immigration Immigration issues are mainly centred around the number of asylum seekers entering Ireland in recent months. In 2023, there were 12,300 asylum seekers, followed by 12,600 in 2022. However, the government is particularly concerned about the sharp increase in asylum seekers during the first three months of 2024, with 5,100 arrivals—a 75% rise compared to the same period in 2023. If this trend continues, it will likely surpass the numbers in 2023 and 2022. The government has expressed that it is impossible to accommodate the current numbers if it continues. The minister of justice, Helen McEntee, had made a few announcements regarding such issues. On 6 April 2024, she announced that eight more countries may be added to the safe country list to reduce the number of asylum seekers and provide the correct protection to those needing international protection. The cabinet has been actively in discussion to tighten up the immigration borders, which involved tighter control in airports in approving individuals coming into the country as an asylum seeker. The government will have a fast-track process for applicants coming from safe countries of origin, which may lead to a significant application refusal, which is applications from Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and South Africa. The government planned to accelerate the process of the highest number of applications in the previous three months if it is not a safe country, such as an application from Nigeria. One major decision to be further discussed is to tighten the visa requirements for people from South Africa. Immigration borders may be becoming stricter, posing an unforeseeable risk for individuals intending to immigrate to Ireland beyond asylum seekers. While the Department of Justice has yet to announce any imminent measures or changes if a decision regarding South Africa is made, citizens from the country may need to familiarise themselves with the visa application process for entry into Ireland. In conclusion, the Irish government is gradually implementing and enforcing new policies, rules, and regulations related to housing and immigration matters. Future Direct is a leading immigration consultancy firm in Ireland that provides services to individuals and corporations. If you have concerns about your immigration status or employment permits and want to stay updated with the latest immigration news, please follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can contact us at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie. We're here to help answer your questions.

The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has introduced bridging permission for students completing their English language courses and proceeding to enrol in a Higher Education Programme starting by October 2024. This notice is only valid until 31 August 2024. To be eligible for this permission, the student must: Completed their third English Language course and have enrolled in and paid fees for a Higher Education Programme listed on the ILEP, starting by the end of October 2024, Completed their second English Language course on or after July 1st and have enrolled in and paid fees for a Higher Education Programme listed on the ILEP, starting by the end of October 2024 Please note that the bridging permission does not extend to students who completed their second English Language course before July 1st, regardless of when they apply. However, these students can choose to undertake a third English language course and renew their permission based on that. The criteria expected from the student are as follows: A valid IRP card or one that has expired within a month when making the bridging permission. Completed a third English Language course listed on the ILEP or completed a second English Language course listed on the ILEP on or after 1st July; Have enrolled in and paid fees in total for a Higher Education Programme listed on the ILEP; Apply for their permission via their local immigration office or online if you are in Dublin, Meath, Kildare, or Wicklow. Registration Fees: For students whose second or third English language course finished on or after 1st July wishing to apply, this bridging permission will be fee-exempt. Students whose third English language course finished before 1st July wish to apply. This bridging permission will pay the standard fee of €300. This permission, if approved, will be granted until September 30, 2024, and allows students to continue their studies while providing evidence of enrolment and payment for the upcoming programme listed on the Interim List of Eligible Providers (ILEP). Students are required to renew their immigration permission again after 30 September 2024. Are you wondering what ILEP is or wish to know more about the application process? Are you eligible for this permission but too busy to apply? Let us do it for you! Contact Future Direct today! We are one of the leading immigration consultancy firms that provide immigration services to corporate and individual clients in Ireland. If you face difficulties applying for your employment or residence permit in Ireland, call us today at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie. We are happy to answer your questions and help you in this matter.

When people talk about finding jobs lately, many say it's tough in 2024. Let's take a deeper look at what the data says about job opportunities in Ireland. One way to find out is by looking at the unemployment rate. Surprisingly, Ireland doesn't rank among the top 10 EEA countries with the highest unemployment rates. In fact, it's 20th on the list, with an unemployment rate of 4.32%. Spain has the highest rate at 12.1%, followed by Greece (11.1%), Italy (7.7%), and Sweden (7.7%). The statistics show that Ireland is still below the average unemployment rate (5.55%) across the EEA region. Looking specifically at Ireland, the unemployment rate decreased from 4.6% to 4.2% in February 2024 despite the slower economic growth. However, there was a slight increase of 0.01% in March 2024, adding 1,900 people to be unemployed. According to The Irish Times, job postings on the Indeed website in March were only 14% higher than before the pandemic, compared to 17% and 22% in February and January, respectively. Experts suggest that the number of job postings will likely return to pre-pandemic levels. Based on this information, finding a job during the next few months seems like a long battle with time. As we cannot predict the future employment rate, patience and initiative will be necessary for individuals seeking job opportunities. For international professionals and graduates, it's essential to know that you might be able to extend your visa if it's expiring soon. Future Direct is a leading immigration consultancy firm in Ireland that provides services to individuals and corporations. If you have concerns about your visa status or expiration date, feel free to contact us at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie. We're here to help answer your questions. The data is obtained from the Central Statistics Office: https://data.cso.ie/table/WMI15 & https://data.cso.ie/table/MUM01

Since the announcement of the cessation of applying for the Stamp 4 support letters that took effect on 30 November 2023, there has been an ambiguity regarding the application process for individuals on general skill permits. For those unaware of the announcement of the change on November 2023. International employees on Stamp 1 no longer need to apply for a Stamp 4 support letter from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Instead, they could apply for Stamp 4 directly to the registration office as long as they are eligible and comprehensive documents are provided to the authorities. Critical Skills Employment Permit and Hosting Agreement holders can only apply for Stamp 4 when they have fulfilled at least 21 months under a Stamp 1 visa. The condition remains the same for individuals on a Stamp 1H visa as a non-consultant hospital doctor on the basis of a multi-site general employment permit. The application requirements for critical skill permit holders and doctors will remain unchanged. Further, a Researcher under a Hosting Agreement is also eligible to make a Stamp 4 application upon the completion of 21 months from the commencement of employment in Ireland. On the other hand, General Employment Permit holders are eligible to make a Stamp 4 application upon completing 57 months of employment in Ireland. In other words, they can start their application only after 57 months on the permit. The required documents have not changed. Suppose you are concerned about your current work permit types or are unsure about the application process for Stamp 4. Call us today at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie. Future Direct is one of the leading immigration consultancy firms that provide immigration services to corporate and individual clients in Ireland. We are happy to answer your questions.

Starting April 8, 2024, some changes will come for folks in Meath, Kildare, and Wicklow who must register their residence permit in Ireland for the first time. Instead of going to the Grada National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), you must go to the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) office in Burgh Quay in Dublin 2. However, note that it is only required for first-time IRP registration. You can do the IRP renewal online using the ISD online renewal portal here rather than revisiting the ISD office. The GNIB will still undertake first registrations and renewal responsibilities for individuals beyond the three counties mentioned above. The  IRP registration can be booked by phone (1800 800 630) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. However, for IRP renewal applications, it is strongly recommended that you make an appointment at least 12 weeks before your IRP expiration date. Future Direct is one of the leading immigration consultancy firms that provide immigration services to corporate and individual clients in Ireland. Should you require us to make the IRP application or renewal on your behalf or have any questions, call us today at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie. We are happy to answer your questions.

Ireland has always been one of the top destinations for international students seeking to learn English. Given the fact that there are language schools are turning down thousands of students due to the housing crisis, the reports from the Marketing English in Ireland (MEI) Association still show a significant rise of 23% in student numbers from 2022 to 2023, reaching a total of 128,397 students. Unfortunately, this great opportunity is being exploited by malicious individuals to forge and sell fake documents, including enrolment letters and medical insurance. The student agreed to pay the scammers on Whatsapp or Facebook Messenger between €600 to €1,800 for those forged documents and applied for a student visa to enter Ireland. These students, often called "ghost students," never attended their courses and ended up working illegally in the State. Many students claim ignorance of the legal consequences of the "English Language School Visa Scam", thinking it was merely “under the table”. However, when their visa applications are scrutinised, no enrollment records are found in the language school's system. Those who try to get their money back from scammers usually end up empty-handed, which can cause even more stress and disappointment. As a professional immigration service provider, Future Direct strongly suggests that all individuals stand against engaging in such activities, emphasising the serious nature of fraudulent crimes. According to The Irish Times, Authorities such as language schools and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) are aware of this issue and take measures to verify visa applications thoroughly. It is crucial for students to understand that using fake documents will not only result in visa rejection. The students will not be allowed a visa refusal appeal and will be banned from obtaining an Irish visa for five years. Future Direct is one of the leading immigration consultancy firms that provide immigration services to corporate and individual clients in Ireland. If you are confused about your current visa type and its conditions, please call us today at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie. We are happy to answer your questions.

Historically, Ireland has been known as a welcoming destination for immigrants, and discussions about immigration have often been absent from the list of major topics. However, according to a global poll by Ipsos, attitudes are shifting. Ireland is now one of the countries where people are more concerned about immigration issues, as proven by the continuous immigration protests in Dublin. A recent Irish Time/ Ipsos B&A poll results series was published on February 10th, 2024, providing an overall impression of immigration issues. The survey occurred from February 2nd to 6th across 120 locations covering all 39 constituencies. All eligible individuals are at least 18 and were being interviewed in their homes. We have obtained some information from the published outcome and presented below. If you wish to have a more comprehensive and detailed result, please click here. Analysis of the poll results reveals that the majority (48%) of the respondents view the immigration situation in Ireland favorably, suggesting a common perception that immigrants have positively contributed to the country. This also expresses the idea that the respondents are majorly not against immigration. Nevertheless, despite the positive opinion towards the impact of immigrants, approximately 60% of the respondents still wish to have a closer policy to restrict the number of immigrants entering Ireland, and only 16% of them prefer a more open policy. The statistics shown above are categorized based on age group, gender, and residence area in the complete analysis. Still, not a single subcategory favors a more open policy for individuals who wish to enter Ireland—indicating a pessimistic impression of getting more individuals into the country. Furthermore, considering the intersection of these findings with the political landscape. It may appear that immigration issues will become a prominent theme in upcoming political messaging and manifestos. Although only 30% of the respondents indicated a likelihood of voting for candidates prioritizing such matters, it remains a substantive portion of the electorate that candidates must pay attention to. This prompts international individuals to question whether there will be increased restrictions and procedural complexities when applying for work and residency permits to remain in the country. Still, it is yet to be confirmed by the authorities whether any further actions will be taken toward such matters in the future. Immigration issues pose a complex challenge that demands thorough analysis and a carefully considered response. Future Direct is one of the leading immigration consultancy firms providing immigration services to corporates and individual clients in Ireland. Should you require us to make the application on your behalf or have any questions, call us today at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie. We are happy to answer your questions.

Did you know that the number of work permits issued in 2023 dropped by a quarter compared to the previous year? The figure dropped from 39,955 to 30,981. More than half of this variance stemmed from the tech sector, plummeting from 10,832 to 5,009 permits. While this may seem concerning, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment remains optimistic, projecting a return to 40,000 permits in 2024. This optimism is fueled by adding new roles to the critical skills occupation list and removing barriers, such as social care roles, from the ineligible occupation list. This is highlighted in the latest expansion on the employment permit system in January 2024. However, amidst these optimistic projections, it's essential to acknowledge the broader context within which the Irish job market operates. One pressing issue is the housing supply shortage, which has implications for job seekers and employers. As more permits are projected to be issued in 2024, there will likely be an increased demand for housing accommodations by incoming workers and their families. As a result, the housing shortage and high rental prices in Ireland will continue to be a challenge for many. Future Direct is one of the leading immigration consultancy firms providing immigration services to corporates and individual clients in Ireland. Should you require us to make the application on your behalf or have any questions, please call us today at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie. We are happy to answer your questions.