Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
873. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice if there are detailed guidelines for completion of applications for the atypical working scheme; if she will provide the links for same; and if she will provide an update on six applications (details supplied). [36813/23]
View answerI am advised by the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) Unit that the applications referred to by the Deputy continue to be processed and a decision is expected to issue in the coming weeks.
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 frontline 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 recently been added to manage the Scheme and reduce waiting times.
The number of applications received in the first six months of this year is 5,376. This represents an increase of 65% of applications that were received in the same period of last year. The number of decisions that have been processed year to date in 2023 by the AWS Unit has doubled when compared to same period in 2022.
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.
Further information and guidelines for how to complete applications for the AWS can be found 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/
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
