I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 37 together.
I am pleased to say the review of the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) for non-EEA fishers has been published on my Department's website. Details of how the AWS for SeaFishers currently operates is also available at www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-work-visa-options/applying-for-a-long-stay-employment-visa/atypical-working-scheme/.
One of the key recommendations of the Review Group is that the employment of non-EEA crew in the Irish fishing fleet should be provided for under the Employment Permit system, instead of the existing Atypical Working Scheme. My Department will cease accepting applications from 31 December and I urge all employers to submit new applications prior to this date. Existing employees are also encouraged to renew their permission before the scheme closes.
My Department has also committed to ensuring certainty for current permission holders during any such transition period and has already provided written assurances to stakeholders that the circumstances of existing permission holders will be managed pragmatically and that no fisher will fall out of permission during the transition period.
The scheme for the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants closed on 31 July 2022. This once in a generation scheme was designed to give long-term undocumented people without a current permission to remain in the State, the chance to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship.
My Department had significant engagement with the NGOs in this sector before and during the timeframe for applications and also widely advertised the scheme in advance of and during the 6 month window it was open. Additionally, a targeted media campaign was launched during the final weeks of the scheme.
The online application process for the scheme has now closed and no further applications will be accepted. In total, 6,548 paid applications were submitted for 8311 persons. Of these 5,654 (86%) were Single Applications and 894 (14%) were Family Applications.
4,794 decisions have issued and of these: 4,654 (97 %) are positive decisions, 94 (2%) are negative decisions, and 46 (1%) applications have been withdrawn by the applicants for various reasons.
In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally. If a person remains resident in the State without an immigration permission I encourage them to contact the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) or their local immigration office and to take all the appropriate steps to regularise their status.
Any letter of application submitted should explain their current circumstances and future intentions in the State and provide any documentation they feel will support their application.
Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) examines each application to remain in the State on a case-by-case basis and has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their immigration position in the State.
