2022-06-22-KPMG_Global-Ireland_–_Suspension_of_Re-Entry_Visa_Requirements_for_Minors_under_16_3页_311kb

GMS Flash Alert Summary: Ireland - Suspension of Re-Entry Visa Requirements for Minors under 16

Core Content

Ireland's Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has issued a directive suspending the requirement for re-entry visas for minors under 16 years of age. This change is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice. Previously, minors who required a visa to enter Ireland had to apply for a re-entry visa, which was added to their passports. However, due to this suspension, such visas are no longer required.

Main Points

• Suspension of Re-Entry Visa Requirements: Children under 16 who are visa-required non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals are no longer required to obtain a re-entry visa to return to Ireland.
• Impact on Families: This change eases the administrative burden on families, as parents or guardians no longer need to submit original supporting documents to ISD for the issuance of re-entry visas for their children.
• Documentation Requirements: Minors under 16 must still be accompanied by a parent or guardian who has legal permission to reside in Ireland. The parent or guardian must provide appropriate documentation to prove their relationship with the child.
• Accepted Documents:
  • Birth or adoption certificate
  • Guardianship papers
  • Marriage or divorce certificate (if the parent has a different surname)
  • Death certificate (in the case of a deceased parent)
• Current Applications: Any ongoing applications for re-entry visas for minors under 16 will be returned to the applicants along with their original supporting documents. No re-entry visa will be issued on their passports.

Key Information for Employers

• Compliance with New Rules: Employers must ensure that employees affected by this change are aware of the new requirements and carry the necessary documentation to prove their relationship with the minor.
• Travel with Minors: Minors under 16 must travel with a parent or guardian who has legal residence in Ireland. This requirement remains unchanged.
• No Visa Issuance: Re-entry visas for minors under 16 will not be issued under the current policy, and existing applications will be processed accordingly.

KPMG Note

For further clarification or assistance regarding this immigration policy change, individuals and employers are advised to contact:

• Their usual qualified immigration counsel
• A member of the Corporate Immigration and Employment Law Team at KPMG in Ireland

Contact Information

• Aoife Newton
  Tel: +353 1 700 4285
  Email: aoife.newton@kpmg.ie

• Elaine Norton
  Tel: +353 1 700 4037
  Email: elaine.norton@kpmg.ie

Note: The KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labor law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist with U.S. immigration matters.

Additional Information

The information in this Flash Alert is provided by the KPMG International member firm in Ireland. It is important to note that each KPMG firm is a separate legal entity and operates independently. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients.

This summary is part of the GMS Flash Alert series, published by KPMG LLP's Washington National Tax practice. For more information or to view previous issues, visit the GMS website.