Insights from Aaron Flynn: Director of Ireland Immigration at Envoy Global
Welcome to the Q1 2025 Ireland Immigration Briefing with Aaron Flynn, Director of Immigration, Ireland at Envoy Global. In this update, Flynn highlights the recent 2024 General Election results and outlines some proposed changes under the incoming government.
General Election Results in Ireland
Ireland held a General Election in November 2024. The results have led to Fianna Fáil emerging as the largest party in the Dáil (lower house of parliament). Sinn Féin – the main opposition party, came second regarding seats, while Fine Gael, which has been in coalition with Fianna Fáil since 2020, came third.
Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and several Independents have agreed to form a new government. Typically, coalition talks like these result in the publication of a Draft Programme for Government, outlining plans for each department and policy area over the next five years.
Immigration Considerations in Draft Programme for Government
The draft programme discusses increasing border security and coordination with the UK to preserve the Common Travel Area’s integrity. It also includes plans to address the rise in international protection applications, such as allocating more resources and creating a Division of the High Court for Immigration.
Several positive changes for corporate immigration have emerged based on discussions with authorities, clients and immigration service providers like Envoy Global. These changes include:
- Prioritize a skills-based migration system targeting sectors with significant shortages, such as healthcare, information, communication and technology (ICT), engineering and construction.
- Explore expanding eligible roles for employment permits.
- Merge the visa and employment permit system into a single, user-friendly application procedure supported by a new ICT system.
- Increase investment and resources to support faster processing of legal migration visas and permissions.
- Introduce expedited visa options for high-demand sectors to facilitate quicker entry for skilled professionals.
- Examine ways to help people on work permits move jobs more easily and legally while protecting the integrity of the immigration system.
- Link migration policy with education to allow international students in key disciplines, especially STEM fields, to transition smoothly from student visas to permanent residency, helping retain trained talent within Ireland.
Recognition of the Need for Enhanced Corporate Immigration Services
It appears that after many years of treating corporate immigration processes identically to general immigration matters (such as family and visit visas), there is now recognition that companies and workers require enhanced service levels. Quicker processing has long been planned and will enormously benefit Irish-based multinationals.
Ireland already has rapid employment permit processing, which is often hindered by slow visa processing in some Irish Embassies (if there is an Irish Embassy).
Visas are highly detailed and complex applications with varying documents that must be correctly submitted and processed. There is overlap with the employment permit process, but two to three Government Departments process both applications. Applicants often incorrectly conflate the processes, leading to rejections, appeals, and even more demand for the authorities’ services. Combining the employment permit and visa processes makes perfect sense for everyone and is a welcome option.
Further Reliance on Immigration Technology in 2025
Further reliance on ICT (Information and Communications Technology) for decision-making is a positive development. Ireland, being home to many technology companies, is well-positioned for this.
Envoy Global, one of the most advanced technology platforms for managing immigration, is ready to support government initiatives to make the process as seamless as possible in an increasingly connected world.
It appears that Ireland plans to improve its immigration processes, which aligns perfectly with Envoy Global’s goals to provide better immigration service to our clients in 2025 and beyond.
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Want to chat further with Aaron Flynn? Contact us to see how we can help your organization’s corporate immigration program.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Envoy is not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. If you would like guidance on how this information may impact your particular situation and you are a client of the U.S. Law Firm, consult your attorney. If you are not a client of the U.S. Law Firm working with Envoy, consult another qualified professional. This website does not create an attorney-client relationship with the U.S. Law Firm.
