Online Application System Rolled Out to Atypical Working Scheme Applicants

The Department of Justice & Equality has made it easier for short-term workers from overseas to handle the immigration process through the launch of an online application system.

The system will mainly apply to those who are working in Ireland under the Atypical Working Scheme. This scheme applies to non-EEA nationals who are working in Ireland in certain key sectors such as healthcare, or areas where there is a need for special expertise or a skills shortage.

The online application system was piloted last year for non-EEA students who wished to renew their immigration status in Ireland. Since then, online immigration application systems have been rolled out on a permanent basis to more non-EEA nationals to simplify the application process.

“Driving the digital agenda across the Justice sector is one of my main ministerial priorities”

Since March of 2020, this scheme has processed over 700 applications for frontline doctors and nurses in Ireland and has also been used to support other key areas of the Irish economy including biomedical manufacturing and pharma.

Speaking of the new online application system, Minister Helen McEntee said:

“Driving the digital agenda across the Justice sector is one of my main ministerial priorities,”…

“The AWS provides a streamlined mechanism to deal with atypical, short term employment situations, including those where skill shortages have been identified or where there is a critical need to provide specialised high skills to an industry, business or academic institution.”

She went onto say that:

“Ensuring that employers can be confident that such applications are processed in the most efficient and effective manner possible is crucial to maintaining our competitive advantage, especially in these challenging times.”

The Atypical Working Scheme enables non-EEA nationals to enter certain short-term employment in Ireland

What is the Atypical Workers Scheme?

The Atypical Workers Scheme is administered by the Department of Justice in joint agreement with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

It is designed to enable the facilitation of short-term employment in Ireland for non-EEA nationals in certain sectors. Specifically, it is used for employment situations which are not governed by standard employment permits in Irish immigration law.

In 2019, there were 3,413 people approved to work in Ireland under the Atypical Workers Scheme. This included 1,837 nurses, 142 locum GPs, 14 locum hospital doctors and 227 seafarers.

If you are interested in this scheme, you could be eligible in the following circumstances:

• To provide a specialised skill to a business, industry or academic institution
• To work for an Irish company which has identified a skills shortage
• To work as a locum doctor in the hospital or primary care sectors
• To work as a nurse as part of the Clinical Adaptation and Assessment Programme/Examination
• To work as a researcher for up to 12 months when not eligible for an employment permit or hosting agreement
• To undertake waged/funded short-term employment/internship which is necessary to a course being studied for 3^rd level students who are staying outside Ireland in an accredited institution

How the Immigration Advice Service Can Help with Atypical Working Scheme Applications

If you wish to find out more about the Atypical Working Scheme, we are here to help. The Immigration Advice Service is a leading immigration firm with offices in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

One of our immigration lawyers can work with you to formulate your Atypical Working Scheme application from start to finish, completing it to the very highest of standards.

With an unrivalled level of experience, we have developed a reputation for outstanding service and professionalism, and we are passionate about the work we do.

To find out more about the Atypical Working Scheme and the services we offer, please call us now on (+353) 061 518 025.