Immigration Permission for Foreign Nationals Extended Until January 2021
Foreign nationals with immigration stamps which are due to expire in the coming months will be permitted to remain in Ireland until at least January 20th 2021 under the latest temporary extension by government in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Immigration Advice Service is continuing to provide invaluable support and guidance to those who require help with any immigration matter, including immigration status renewals.
Contact our client care team today on (+353) 061 518 025 to find out how we can assist you.
Immigration Permission Renewals Extended Until January 2021
Foreign nationals with immigration stamps which are due to expire in the coming months will be permitted to remain in Ireland until at least January 20th 2021 under the latest temporary extension by government in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, announced that a fifth extension for immigration permission has been introduced to provide certainty to those who are worried about their immigration status in Ireland.
The Department of Justice & Equality has suggested that this will be the final extension of immigration permissions for foreign nationals. The first extension was announced back in March of this year, shortly after the State went into lockdown. Additional extensions were implemented in May, July and August.
This new extension will, again, apply to people with permission extended under previous notices. The intention of the extension is to give non-EEA nationals the time to ensure the renewal of their immigration permission. Tens of thousands are expected to benefit from this latest extension from the Department of Justice.
The intention of the extension is to give non-EEA nationals the time to ensure the renewal of their immigration permission in Ireland.
In regard to the new extension and the renewal of immigration permissions, McEntee said:
“You can do so without the additional worry of falling out of permission in the meantime through no fault of your own,” said the minister. “I encourage you to do so at the earliest opportunity.”
There are three categories of foreign nationals who will be able to take advantage of the new extension:
- Those who currently hold valid permission to be in Ireland
- Those who arrived in Ireland in the past three months
- Those who have been granted a Short Stay C Visa and were unable to leave the State because of uncertainties caused by the pandemic
Renewal Problems
Some foreign nationals have criticised the government for the length of time it has taken for their immigration permissions to be renewed in Dublin. Much of the criticism has centred around the online application system which can be used by non-EEA nationals in Dublin to renew their immigration status.
This is in spite of the Department of Justice’s insistence that the new online system for renewing immigration permissions will make the renewal process “easier and quicker”, as people would no longer have to attend appointments in-person.
However, many have suggested that the new online system has in fact continued to cause stress and concern among foreign nationals.
At the time of writing, the online system is not available to people living outside Dublin and applicants must still appear in person at their local Garda station outside of the capital.
Do You Need Help with Your Immigration Permission Renewal?
Immigration Advice Service is here for you if you require any legal assistance with your immigration permission renewal.
Our expert Ireland immigration lawyers can offer assistance with all forms of immigration permissions. With years of experience in the field, we are perfectly placed to help you secure your Irish residency as an overseas national.
Whether you live in Dublin or outside of the capital, we are here for you. To find out more, please do not hesitate to call our friendly team now on (+353) 061 518 025.