On 22 November 2022, Immigration Services advised all stakeholders (Closure of the Atypical Scheme (AWS) for Non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet) that the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) for non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing fleet would close to new applications on 31 December 2022.
Immigration Services can confirm that this AWS Scheme is now closed following the agreement to transfer responsibility for work permissions in this sector to the Employment Permit system, pending the making of a submission by the sector of a comprehensive business case to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to support their inclusion.
In light of the above, and in order to provide certainty and security to employers and employees in the Sector, during the ongoing transitional period, Immigration Services can confirm that all holders of a current valid permission to work as a non-EEA Crew member in the Irish Fishing Fleet expiring on or after 1 January 2023 will be granted a Stamp 4 immigration permission, on an exceptional basis.
The granting of a Stamp 4 immigration permission is applicable to any individual non-EEA Crew member in the Irish Fishing Fleet who currently holds a valid IRP card expiring on or after 1 January 2023. On the basis of a permission granted to work as non-EEA fishing crew under the Scheme or to any individual holding a letter of permission under the Scheme issued on or after 3 October 2022 for the same purpose.
Qualifying crew members are advised to make an appointment as soon as possible at their local GNIB Office so that a Stamp 4 immigration permission can be awarded and an updated IRP card issued. The standard fee of €300 will apply, therefore customers may opt to renew closer to expiry of their current Stamp 1 permission. When attending for appointment at their local GNIB office they should present their current in-date passport, their most recent valid in-date letter of permission under the Scheme and their current IRP card (if applicable). Dublin based non-EEA nationals should apply for renewal of their permission online here: https://inisonline.jahs.ie
Please note that any non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet, whose AWS permission expired on or before the 31 December 2022 and who has not renewed their permission will not benefit from this notice and the granting of a Stamp 4 immigration permission.