Ireland: Permits Foundation applauds government announcement of partner work authorisation
06 March 2019Permits Foundation applauds the Irish Government announcement today that spouses and partners of critical skills employment permit holders will have full access to the employment market.
Over thirty countries worldwide already allow direct work access for spouses or partners of highly-skilled employees. Permits Foundation is thrilled that Ireland will now adopt this best practice for dependants of critical skills holders. The evidence from our international surveys shows that this results in a triple-win for the host country, employers and employee families. We therefore hope that in future, the policy will also be extended to the family members of other highly-skilled groups, namely intra-corporate transferees and researchers.
Last year, Permits Foundation wrote to the authorities in response to the Irish Government’s economic migration consultation, requesting direct work access for family members of critical skills permit holders, researchers and intra-company transferees (Intra-CTs). And last month we provided further evidence in a letter to the Department of Business and Enterprise. Speaking after the announcement, Permits Foundation Chair Gill Gordon said ”We are extremely pleased that the government has recognised this important issue. The change will not only addresses skills shortages but also help integration, innovation and legislative efficiency in Ireland. We understand that the government may look into include Intra-CT family members in future and would strongly support this position.”
Under the new policy, from 6 March, the INIS will grant eligible spouses and de facto partners of CSEP holders permission to reside on a Stamp 1, without the need to obtain a separate employment permit. On 1 April 2019, a new pre-clearance policy will mean that these non-EEA family members apply for permission to reside prior to arrival. This will reduce processing times and provide clarity for the spouses and de facto partners.
About Permits Foundation:
Permits Foundation advocates work permit regulations that allow partners of highly-skilled staff to access employment during an international assignment. Over thirty countries worldwide have adopted this best practice policy. More than forty international companies and organisations support our work.
Supporting evidence from our international surveys shows that:
- 70% of partners said that their own employment was important in the decision to relocate and 60% said that they would be unlikely to move to a country where it is difficult for a partner to get a work permit.
- 80-90% of partners of highly qualified employee are also graduates, including around half with a master’s degree or higher.
- 51% of employers reported that employees have turned down international assignments due to partner employment concerns.
- 21% of employers reported that assignees returned home early for the same reasons
