This is a quick summary of available resources and the most important news relating to temporary measures introduced by the Immigration Services in the face of Covid-19.
Immigration Service Delivery Q and A
The Department of Justice and Equality published a comprehensive document with frequently asked questions regarding the impact of Covid-19 on immigration. The document is available under the following link:
Immigration Service Delivery Q and A -- inis.gov.ie
Travelling to Ireland
In accordance with the latest advice regarding travelling to Ireland, please note that the following policies currently apply:
- Before you arrive in Ireland you must fill the COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. Failure to do so is an offence.
- After you arrive from any overseas country, you are required to self-isolate for 14 days. This includes Irish citizens coming home. Self-isolation means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people.
Additional travel advice is available under the following link:
Coronavirus Travel Advice -- gov.ie
Advice to people awaiting first time registration in the State
As a result of Covid-19 Burgh Quay and all local registration offices are currently closed. As a result, people are currently unable to register in the State and get the Irish Residence (IRP) card issued.
As a temporary measure, until 20 July 2020, you can apply to the Registration Office to request a letter confirming their permission to remain in the State. This letter will be your temporary proof of registration.
An important thing to remember is that when the registration offices reopen you will have to book an appointment and complete the registration in person. According to the INIS website priority will be given to first time registrants.
For further information and advice, please check the INIS announcements page:
Additional time in Ireland for language students affected by the Coronavirus
The following measures have been introduced to accommodate language students affected by the Coronavirus:
- If you left Ireland, you may return and resume your studies. The duration of time you spent outside Ireland will not be taken into account towards the 2 years maximum period of English language study.
- If you are at the end of the 2 year stay but cannot return home, you have the possibility to extend your stay until the end of the year by re-enrolling on an online English course. If you take this option you will have to re-register once the Registration Offices reopen.
- This extension means that you can continue to work as per the conditions of your current immigration permission.
EU Treaty Rights and Domestic Residence applications
With regards to applications for EU Treaty Rights and Domestic Residence applications, it is now allowed to submit applications by email. However, there have been no changes to the eligibility criteria.
We've written previously about De Facto Partnership and you should check this article out if you want to know more about this topic.
You should also consult the INIS EU Treaty Rights Advice, which is available here: