Ireland has labour shortages across 20 jobs, with the most affected being healthcare, IT, engineering, manufacturing, construction and transportation.
The country's immigration services have warned about a backlog of applications, so foreign residents in Ireland are encouraged to renew their permits in October, especially if they intend to go outside the country over the Christmas season.
The Irish Department of Justice sent a press statement advising foreign nationals who reside in the nation to submit their permit applications by October 31.
It is strongly advised that foreign nationals whose existing permission expires in the coming weeks or during their travel dates, as well as those who intend to return home for the Christmas holiday, file their applications in advance.
Non-EEA nationals in the State who are required to apply for a renewal of their IRP card before or during any intended international travel over the coming Christmas holiday period should apply online via the ISD online portal as soon as possible.
--Immigration Service Delivery
The Immigration Service stated in the same press release that it currently takes three to four weeks to process an IRP card renewal. Due to the overwhelming number of applications for permission renewals filed at the Dublin Immigration Services Registration Office Burgh Quay, there has been a protracted backlog.
The entire process may take longer than expected in addition to the delay in processing permits renewal applications, since it may take up to two weeks to get the new IRP card visa post. Travel may be made easier with the presence of an up-to-date IRP card, which enables the user to leave and return to the nation without restriction.
The Immigration Services Office disclaimed they ‘cannot guarantee that any renewal submitted after October 31, 2023, will be processed and an IRP card delivered in time to facilitate travel over the Christmas holiday period’. However, the authorities promised to do the best they can.
1
2
3
4
.svg)
