Ireland’s Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has warned that the processing time to renew Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards has stretched beyond 17 weeks for some categories, prompting Minister for Justice James Browne to publish an interim “Notice to Employers”. The advisory confirms that, until 31 August 2026, employees whose IRP cards have already expired may keep working and remain lawfully in the State provided they 1) submitted an online renewal application before the card expired and 2) still hold a valid employment-permit (where required). Applicants can use the automated e-mail confirmation issued by the online renewal portal as temporary proof of status while they wait for the physical card to arrive. The concession is designed to prevent a wave of inadvertent work-permission lapses that could disrupt businesses, particularly in sectors with high numbers of non-EEA workers such as technology, healthcare and hospitality. Employers are urged to update right-to-work files with copies of the receipt e-mails and to diarise the 31 August deadline, after which the usual 12-week over-stay grace period will apply once again. ISD says the backlog stems from record demand at the Burgh Quay Registration Office and a staffing shortfall. The agency is publishing weekly “live” dashboards showing the oldest application date being processed for each immigration stamp type, giving HR teams greater visibility on likely wait times. Practical implications: • New hires awaiting IRP renewals can legally start work if they meet the interim criteria, but employers must still carry out normal right-to-work checks. • Travellers who urgently need to leave the State before their new card is issued may request an expedited renewal or emergency re-entry visa, though evidence of travel is required and decisions are discretionary. • Global mobility managers should prepare contingency plans for assignments commencing in Q3, factoring in the extended 17-week timeline plus card-printing lead times. The Department of Justice says additional temporary staff and process automation are being introduced, but cautions that normal turnaround targets are unlikely to be restored before early autumn.
Source: Immigration Service Delivery
