Policy for persons on valid Employment Permits who have been made redundant

Employment Permits Main Page | Our Work | What’s New  | Guides to Employment Permit Schemes | Additional Information | Forms & Fees | Publications and Statistics | Employment Permits Legislation | Frequently Asked Questions | Contact Us

Holders of permits for less than 5 years who have been made redundant

The Department will look favourably on applications in respect of foreign nationals who have been made redundant within the last 6 months and who have held valid employment permit holders for less than 5 years.

The following information must be provided:

• Cover Letter indicating that this application is for a person who has been made redundant by previous employer.

• Fully completed new application form with all relevant attachments and fee.

• Copy of proposed employee’s passport, up to-date GNIB Card, immigration stamp and visa (if applicable).

• Letter from previous employer stating that employee has been made redundant within the last 6 months and an explanation why and enclosing the original certified copy of the existing permit.

• Copy of the P45 from previous employer – this must be dated within the last 6 months.
• A Labour Market Needs Test (FÁS/EURES and newspaper advertisements) is not required in respect of Work Permit applications from Employment Permit holders who have been made redundant.
• If the job from which the individual was made redundant was among the list of ineligible job categories, they will be entitled to apply for a new work permit for a position from that ineligible list, if they so wish.
• Where a Green Card holder has been made redundant in a job title that is now ineligible for a Green Card permit, should they obtain a subsequent 2 year job offer with same job title then a Green Card application may be considered.

• Fully completed applications will be prioritised.

Notwithstanding the above, all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and on their merits.

If an individual cannot get another job within six months of being made redundant they should contact the immigration authorities to establish their immigration status beyond that period. Should the individual opt to leave the country, and are later successful in getting another job offer in Ireland, they are free to apply for a new employment permit.

Holders of Permits for 5 consecutive years who have been made redundant

Following the announcement made on 28th August 2009 by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in consultation with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, it will not be necessary for those who have been working lawfully and who have held an employment permit for 5 consecutive years to have an employment permit to remain in employment. In those circumstances, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will give immigration permission to reside in Ireland and to work without the need for an employment permit. This arrangement will apply to those made redundant after 5 years working on a permit and to those still in employment.

Return of Permits

In all cases, the holder of a valid employment permit who has been made redundant should return their employment permit to the Employment Permit Section, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Davitt House, 65a Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. A covering letter should be included with the permit explaining why it is being returned.