In order to work in Ireland a person from outside the European Economic Area is required to make an application to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a work permit, and then make a second application to my Department for an immigration permission, including a visa, where applicable. The employment permit system is administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) having regard to the labour needs of sectors of the economy.
The granting of an employment permit by DETE is not the sole determining factor as to whether an immigration permission or visa will subsequently be granted by my Department. These are two distinct application processes with different checks and procedures in place in each respective Department.
As with all visa services worldwide, the central concern in deciding on visa applications is to strike the appropriate balance between protecting the country’s vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime while at the same time not placing unnecessary or unreasonable obstacles in the way of intending visitors. This involves consideration of various factors including the integrity of the immigration system, the maintenance of national security, public order, public health and the orderly regulation of the labour market.
Financial details are sought from a person who is applying for a working visa in order to demonstrate to a deciding officer that the person in question is in a position to support themselves on arrival in the State.
