Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
934. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice her views on correspondence from a person (details supplied) in relation to visas for the spouses of students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21839/20]
View answerIn March 2019, my Department amended the policy to allow the non-EEA national spouses, dependents and partners of hosting agreement researchers access to the labour market. The Stamp 1G permission granted is in line with the permission granted to the PhD hosting agreement candidate.
Those who study here under a research hosting agreement abide by strict conditions as to the research project to be conducted and the length of stay in the State to carry out such research.
The details of the revised programme are set out in the policy document on the Third Level Graduate Programme which can be accessed on the website of my Department's Immigration Service at: www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Student%20Pathway.
My Department keeps all such policies under review. A further policy analysis, involving all relevant stakeholders, would be required before considering extending labour market access to the spouses, dependents and partners of all non-EEA National PhD students.
It is also open to the spouse or partner of other Non EEA National PhD students, wishing to join their partner in the State, to make an application for a work permit to the Department of Business enterprise and Innovation. Information relating to Work Permits can be found on their website at www.dbei.gov.ie or by contacting the Work Permits Section of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation on 01-4175333 or Lo-call: 1890 201 616.
