Ireland Extends Temporary Immigration Permissions Until May 2022

The Irish Minister for Justice announced today, December 17, 2021, the following measures:

1. A further temporary extension of immigration and international protection permissions to May 31, 2022. This temporary extension of immigration permissions means that people who held valid permission to be in the State in March 2020 are legally permitted to remain until May 31, 2022, even if their IRP card has expired and they are awaiting a new one.

Permissions are still expected to be kept up to date wherever possible.

Please note that those who are entitled to receive a new IRP card may continue to use their current expired card to enable them to depart from and return to Ireland in confidence over Christmas and until January 15, 2022. However, those who plan to travel abroad after January 15, 2022, should apply to renew their immigration permission and receive a new IRP card prior to the traveling. Otherwise, if they are visa required, they must secure a re-entry visa in Ireland before traveling or in an overseas visa office before returning.

1. Dublin-based customers who have a new passport and who wish to renew immigration permission will now be able to upload their passport biodata page online and renew their permission online instead of attending the Registration Office in Burgh Quay.

1. To help meet the existing demand for first-time registration appointments in the Dublin region,  the Department is introducing a new Freephone telephone booking system in January 2022 to ensure those who need an appointment can access one. Further details on the Freephone system will be available on www.irishimmigration.ie when the service begins. A new online booking system will also be launched early in 2022.