The Garda National Immigration Bureau known as ‘GNIB’ registration cards have been replaced. The Irish immigration authorities have replaced the GNIB cards with Irish Residence Permit (IRP) with immediate effect.
Non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss nations that currently hold a valid GNIB card are advised to wait until the expiry date of their card prior to applying for the new IRP. The IRP will cost €300.
The IRP is a photographic identification and will include the applicant’s personal details such as name, date of birth, registration number a brief description of their immigration permission, their permission stamp number. The IRP will also hold a microchip with a copy of the persons photo, fingerprints and personal details.
Any foreign nationals working within Ireland must hold a valid GNIB or IRP card. Employers should also be aware of what permissions their employees have to work within Ireland. The most common working visa are;
- Stamp 2 – students who are attending a recognised full-time course of at least one year. They are permitted to work for 20 hours a week during term time and full time during holidays;
- Stamp 4 – Spouses and civil partners of Irish nationals; family members of EEA citizens; people granted international protection (refugee status or subsidiary protection); parents of an Irish citizen child granted permission to remain on that basis. They do not need an employment permit or business permission to work and are entitled to work full time.
If you have any queries relating to employing foreign workers please contact the advice line on 01 886 0350
