Labour Market Access

International protection applicants are eligible to apply for a labour market access permit.

This video (available in Arabic here) gives an overview of labour market access for international protection applicants:

When can I apply?

You can apply for a permit 5 months after the date you applied for asylum. 

Your permit will become valid 6 months after the date you applied for asylum - however there can be delays in the processing of permits. 

You cannot start work until you have received your permit. 

How long does it take for my permit to process?

The current delay for older work permit applications is approximately 150 days. Please check this website for updated waiting times.

However, we have heard that some new applications made via the online system are being processed within approximately 1 month. 

How to apply?

You must apply online via the INIS website.

If you do not already have one, you will have to create an ISD account first. 

When you begin working, you must complete the LMA5 form with the help of your employer and return it to LMAUapplications@justice.ie.

Can I renew my permit?

In most cases, yes.

Work permits can be renewed after 12 months - as long as you have not yet received a first instance decision from the IPO. 

To renew your work permit, you must use the same online application on the INIS website. See image below.

You should submit your renewal application 2 months in advance of your current permit’s expiry date.

If there is a delay in the processing of your renewal, your employer should allow you a grace period post-expiry (maximum 4 weeks). You will need to show your employer the confirmation email showing an application for labour market access renewal has been submitted.

Labour market access refusal

If you have received your first instance decision from the International Protection Office within 6 months of applying for International Protection, you are not eligible for Labour Market Access and your application will be refused. 

This is most likely to impact people from Safe countries, please read here for more information. 

After starting work

When you start working, you will need to pay income tax.

In order to pay the correct amount of tax you need to be registered with the Revenue Online Service (ROS) 

What does my employer need to do / know?

Your employer will need to submit an LMA5 form to the Labour Market Access Unit with some basic details about your employment within 21 days of you starting work. This form can be sent to lmauapplications@justice.ie.

Your employer should not ask you for a GNIB card or Stamp. You are eligible to work with a labour market access permit (a work permit specifically for asylum seekers)

Need employment support?

The Irish Refugee Council is currently running an Employment programme. If you wish to take part please contact employment@irishrefugeecouncil.ie.