Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
461. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice when decisions will be made in the applications for atypical visas by a nursing home (details supplied), which has applied for 35 atypical visas since 15 March 2023, and has yet to receive a decision on any of these applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29708/23]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that official in my Department corresponded with the organisation referred to last week regarding the issues of concern raised.
Ireland’s Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) is designed to accommodate the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill short term labour gaps for the benefit of our economy. In recognition of the importance of front-line medical personnel, the AWS Unit prioritises these applications.
There has been an unprecedented demand for AWS permissions this year, with a significant increase in the number of applications for healthcare workers. Additional resources have been added to manage the Scheme recently.
My Department is working to reduce processing times through the modernisation of our systems and the introduction of efficiencies, as well as additional streamlining measures which should also reduce processing times for AWS applications.
The AWS unit continues to liaise with all relevant stakeholders in this area and further information on the Atypical Working Scheme, including the criteria for documents, is available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-work-visa-options/applying-for-a-long-stay-employment-visa/atypical-working-scheme/
