Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
422. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if stamp 3 for the families of non-EU immigrant workers will be abolished; and if the stamp thatgives such persons the right to work after shorter periods of time (details supplied) will be granted in view of the fact that persons living here for more than five years should have the right to work and make contributions. [5324/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that there are no plans to introduce such a new scheme at this time.
In March 2019, together with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I announced revised immigration arrangements for spouses and de facto partners of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders and Non EEA Researchers on a hosting agreement. Under those new arrangements, spouses and de facto partners of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders and Non EEA Researchers on a hosting agreement, were no longer required to apply for a Dependent Partner/Spouse Employment Permit (DPSEP) to access the labour market. Instead, upon arrival in the State, and on registration, eligible spouses and de facto partners will be granted a Stamp 1 immigration permission, and the right to work. Those already in the State were advised to attend at their local registration office to have their permission updated.
This change of policy reflects a whole-of-government approach and is the result of continuing collaboration between my Department and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
I am informed by my Immigration Service, that non-EEA nationals who, for a variety of reasons, have a lawful permission to be in the State may be granted on application a permission to remain on Stamp 4 conditions. For example:
- Non-EEA holder of 5 consecutive employment permits over a 5 year period.
- Non-EEA national granted Long Term Residency.
- Non-EEA Critical Skills employment permit holders and Researchers after 2 years.
- Non-EEA spouse/civil partner/de facto partner/dependents of an Irish citizen.
- Refugee/International Protection Status/ Programme Refugee.
- Non-EEA parent of Irish Citizen Child where parent was granted permission to remain in the State.
- Non-EEA national granted permission under the Immigrant Investor Programme.
- Non-EEA national granted permission under the Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme.
Other persons may, on application and following a determination of their individual circumstances, if granted leave to remain, be granted a "Stamp 4" residency status. It should be noted that each application is decided on a case by case basis and on its individual merits.
