Immigration updates - December 2021
The Department of Justice has issued the following updates to migrants and their loved ones during and after the holiday season.
Extension of immigration permissions until May 2022
The Department of Justice has granted a further temporary extension of immigration and international protection permissions to 31 May 2022. This applies to permissions that are due to expire between 15 January 2022 and 31 May 2022 and includes permissions that have already been extended by the previous eight temporary extensions since March 2020. Everyone who is covered by this temporary extension should either register or renew their permission by 31 May 2022 to ensure that they have a qualifying permission to remain in the State after that date, if that is their intention.
Christmas concessions
Those who are entitled to receive a new IRP card may continue to use their current expired card to enable them to depart from and return to Ireland in confidence over Christmas and until 15 January 2022. Adults who plan to travel abroad beyond 15 January 2022 should apply to renew their immigration permission and receive a new IRP card. Otherwise, they must secure a re-entry visa in Ireland before travelling or in an overseas visa office before returning.
Re-entry visa programme for minors
The current suspension of the re-entry visa requirement for any minors travelling with a legally resident parent or guardian will continue in line with the new extension until 31 May 2022.
Renewing a permission with a new passport
Dublin-based individuals who have a new passport and who wish to renew an immigration permission will be able to upload their biometric information (fingerprints) online instead of attending the Registration Office in Burgh Quay.
First-time registration appointments
To help meet the existing demand for first-time registration appointments in the Dublin region, the Department of Justice is introducing a new Freephone telephone booking system in January to ensure those who need an appointment can access one. Further details on the Freephone system will be available on www.irishimmigration.ie when the service begins.
International students
International English Language Students who have already completed the maximum number of three language courses may continue to work in line with the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) criteria until May 31 2022 without enrolling in a further English language course. However, they must register for a new qualifying immigration permission by 31 May 2022 to ensure they can remain in the State after that date.
The Immigrant Council of Ireland Helpline can be contacted by phone on 01-674-0200 with the following opening hours:
| Wednesday, 15 December 2021 | Open 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm |
| Thursday, 16 December 2021 | Open 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm |
| Friday, 17 December 2021 | Open 10am-1pm |
| Monday, 20 December 2021 | Open 10am-1pm |
| Tuesday, 21 December 2021 | Open 10am-1pm |
| Wednesday, 22 December 2021 | Open 10am-1pm |
| Thursday, 23 December 2021 | Open 10am-1pm |
| Friday, 24 December to Monday 3 January 2022 |
CLOSED |
| Tuesday, 4 January 2022 | Open 10am-1pm |