Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
536. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice what an individual with a stamp 3 visa from Sudan can apply for to be able to work or study here, given that the ongoing conflict in the region is preventing them from returning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19526/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Stamp 3 immigration permission indicates permission to stay in Ireland for a specified period, subject to conditions, and is reckonable as residence when applying for citizenship by naturalisation. The conditions of the Stamp 3 state that: ‘one cannot work or engage in any business, trade or profession’. A Stamp 3 immigration permission does not prevent the holder from engaging in study.
In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA national must have an employment permit granted by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment or a permission granted by my Department, which permits employment.
Matters relating to employment permits do not fall within the remit of the Immigration Service and are a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Further information relating to employment permits can be found on that Department's website, www.enterprise.gov.ie.
Where a person is successful in obtaining employment and securing the appropriate employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, they will then be able to register on a Stamp 1 immigration permission with their local registration office.
Non-EEA students with Stamp 2 immigration permission are allowed to take up casual employment. They can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and up to 40 hours a week in the holidays. Stamp 2 immigration permission is not reckonable as residence when applying for citizenship by naturalisation.
Where the holder of a Stamp 3 immigration permission wishes change to obtain a Stamp 2 student permission, they should apply to their local immigration office with student documents – an acceptance letter from the school/college, evidence of private medical insurance and evidence of finances.
It is open to any person to apply for a change of immigration status if they meet the criteria for doing so. Detailed information on how to change immigration status is available on the Immigration Service website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/changing-your-immigration-permission/.
