Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
892. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice the processing times for atypical visas; the reason for recent reduction in processing times; and the measures in place to improve both consistency and efficiency of decisions. [37040/23]
View answerIreland’s Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) is designed to accommodate the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill short term labour gaps for the benefit of our economy. In recognition of the importance of frontline medical personnel, the AWS Unit prioritises these applications.
As of 24 July 2023, the current processing time is 39 working days.
There has been an unprecedented demand for AWS permissions this year, with a significant increase in the number of applications for healthcare workers. Additional resources have been added to manage the Scheme and I hope to see a reduction in waiting times in the coming months.
The number of applications received in the first six months of this year is 5,376. This represents an increase of 65% of applications that were received in the same period of last year. The number of decisions that have been processed year to date in 2023 by the AWS Unit has doubled when compared to same period in 2022.
My Department is working to reduce processing times through the modernisation of our systems and the introduction of efficiencies, as well as additional streamlining measures which should also reduce processing times for AWS applications.
The AWS unit continues to liaise with all relevant stakeholders in this area and further information on the Atypical Working Scheme, including the criteria for documents, is available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-work-visa-options/applying-for-a-long-stay-employment-visa/atypical-working-scheme/
