Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) for non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing fleet, previously administered by my Department, closed on 31 December 2022.

As the Deputy will be aware, one of the key recommendations of the Review Group was that the employment of non-EEA crew in the Irish fishing fleet should be provided for under the Employment Permit system, instead of the existing Atypical Working Scheme. Matters relating to the employment permit system are for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

All fishers holding a valid permission under the Scheme on 1 January 2023, or with an outstanding application in process at that time, were granted Stamp 4 immigration permission on an exceptional basis. This was arranged to provide certainty and security to employers and employees in the Sector at the time.

If a person is resident in the State without an immigration permission I encourage them to contact the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) or their local immigration office and to take all the appropriate steps to regularise their status.

Any application submitted should explain their current circumstances and future intentions in the State and provide any documentation they feel will support their application.

In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally.

The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) examines each application to remain in the State on a case-by-case basis and has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their immigration position in the State.