Undocumented Workers Scheme

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The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has recently announced details of an administrative scheme for undocumented immigrant workers formerly holding Employment Permits who have become undocumented through no fault of their own.

Details of the undocumented workers scheme are available on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) Website.

• Persons wishing to avail of this scheme need to download an application form from the INIS website.
• Persons who successfully apply to INIS will be given temporary one off permission of 4 months on their passport within which to get a job and make an application for an Employment Permit.
• Employment Permit applications under this Scheme will not be processed unless the applicant has been granted the temporary permission. A copy of the permission should be included with the application.
• Applications under the this scheme will not be subject to the normal Employment Permit requirements – an economic needs test will not be required and the ineligible list and salary limits will not apply
• It should be noted, however, that applications will not be accepted where the minimum wage is not paid.
• Applications under this scheme should be clearly marked “Undocumented Workers Scheme” on the front of the envelope.

Employment Permit holders who have been made redundant are not covered by this Scheme. Full details of the policy for holders of valid Employment Permits who have been made redundant are available on this website.

Furthermore, this scheme does not apply to former permit holders who had permission to work under Spousal Permit Scheme, the Work Authorisation/Visa schemes, or Working Holiday Agreements, Student Permission or other permissions granted by Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.