Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Minister has announced a further temporary extension of immigration and international protection permissions to May 2022.
The extension applies to permissions due to expire between 15th January 2022 and 31st May 2022. Furthermore, the most recent extension applies to individuals whose permission was extended under the previous eight notices.
Those who need to renew an existing permission, particularly Dublin-based customers who can do so online, are encouraged to do so as soon as possible and not to wait until May 2022 when demand will be very high.
In respect of travelling, those in the State who are entitled to receive a new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card may continue to use their current expired card to enable them to depart from and return to Ireland over Christmas and until 15th January 2022.
The Minister has advised that anyone planning to travel abroad beyond 15th 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.
The current suspension of the re-entry visa requirement for any minors travelling with a legally resident parent will continue in line with the new extension until 31st May 2022.
