Since the introduction of the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, a total of 218 applications for a labour market access permission were refused from applicants who had already received a first instance recommendation from the International Protection Office within 9 months of the date they applied for international protection.
In addition, a further 435 applications for a labour market access permission were refused as ineligible, as the processing time for their international protection application had not exceeded 8 months without receiving a first instance recommendation. In general, these applications are made well in advance of the 8 month timeframe and it is open to these applicants to reapply once the 8 months has elapsed.
While applicants can apply after 8 months waiting for a first instance recommendation, the permission only becomes valid after 9 months. The criteria for making an application are as follows:
1. The person is an international protection applicant; and
2. They have been waiting at least 8 months for their first instance recommendation; and
3. They are cooperating with the international protection process – any delays in receiving a recommendation must not be due to any actions taken by the applicant.
