Thousands of non-EU residents living in Ireland say months-long delays in renewing Irish Residence Permits (IRPs) are jeopardising their right to work, travel and access basic services. According to first-hand accounts published by the Dublin Inquirer on 11 March, the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) unit in Dublin is currently sitting on some 68,000 online renewal applications and is only processing cases submitted on 6 December 2025. Because a valid IRP is the cornerstone of virtually every subsequent permission—from PPS numbers to driving licences—expired cards have left many workers unable to clock in and families unable to leave the country for emergencies. One applicant quoted by the paper said he has been out of work for weeks while waiting for his wife’s renewal to be finalised; another has been unable to collect a driving licence he earned after passing his test. Employers technically may keep staff on the payroll for up to 12 weeks after an IRP expires, but workers report inconsistent application of that guidance. Frustration has now spilled onto the streets: migrant community group Kranthi Ireland has called a protest for Thursday, 12 March outside the Burgh Quay registration office, demanding extra ISD resources and the re-activation of a “travel confirmation notice” that allowed re-entry to Ireland on an expired IRP plus proof of renewal. The temporary notice expired on 28 February, stranding some migrants abroad. For global-mobility managers, the backlog poses real business-continuity risks. Staff on Stamp 1G and General Employment Permits cannot start new roles or travel for business without a valid IRP, so companies should review contingency plans, adjust project timelines and consider remote work arrangements. Immigration advisers recommend filing renewal applications at the earliest opportunity (up to three months before expiry) and keeping detailed evidence of submission in case employers or landlords query legal status.
Source: Dublin Inquirer
