On the 3rd of July Minister Higgins announced a new quota of 150 general employment permits for fishing crew. This announcement was some 19 months in the making as the previous Atypical Working Scheme which allowed non EU fishermen to work in Ireland had come to an end on the 31st of December 2022.
The permits will be issued under the existing General Permits Scheme which covers a large number of different sectors. However some sectors have additional requirements and the permit for fishing crew is one.
Set out below are some of the requirements of the new Scheme:
- Minimum annual salary of €34,000 based on a 39 hour working week. Any overtime will have to be paid at appropriate hourly rate.
- 50:50 nationality requirement remains in place i.e. employment must have a minimum of 50% employees from EU or EEA.
- Initial permit is granted for a period of two years and can be renewed for a further period of 3 years.
- After 5 years employee can make an application for a Stamp 4 on the basis of residency.
- Employee must remain with first employer for a minimum of 1 year.
- After 1 year employees family can join them but would need to make and be eligible for an employment permit in their own right if they wish to work.
- As with the previous Scheme if the permit issues a separate entry visa application will need to be made.
- Application must be made a minimum of 12 weeks before employment is due to commence.
- Applications will have to fulfil the Labour Market Needs Test.
- Employer must sign a declaration to be submitted with the application that they will provide will ensure the foreign national has access to suitable accommodation and training (including language training).
- The employer must also provide a declaration they will enroll the crew member in BIMs Safety Training Programme before they commence employment.
Should you wish to discuss making an application for an employment permit under the Scheme and wish to avail of our services please do not hesitate to contact us.