Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 3

Written Answers. - Work Permits.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

56 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the regulations in relation to a non-national who has worked here under a work permit for five years with the same employer and is now seeking other work as the employer has withdrawn from the country; if this person must apply for another work permit; if, after five years having a work permit and paying tax, this person's status has improved; and if this person may continue to work without a permit. [20813/01]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

Applications for work permits are made by employers who seek to employ non-EEA, European Economic Area, nationals. In the circumstances where a non-EEA national is employed by the same employer for five years, the employer may then apply for and receive a work permit without limit in respect of that employee. If an employee changes employment for any reason, a new application for a work permit must be made by the prospective new employer. A person who works without having a valid work permit is working illegally. The question of this person's status in the context of immigration law is being addressed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in a separate reply to a similar question.