Today, representatives from the Stamp 3 Association attended a session of the Seanad, Ireland’s upper legislative chamber.
Fine Gael Senator Neale Richmond invited us as he spoke on the floor about the issues facing Stamp 3 Visa holders.
“We must be proactive and address the situation before it escalates to new levels,” said Senator Richmond. “Ireland is a global economy and this must be clear to those who live here, work here, and grow their businesses here.”
He continued: “When we allow people to reside legally in Ireland, they should feel welcomed, not ostracised. Forcing these people to live in limbo and in untenable situations is not fair and is not the Ireland we should want to portray to the world.”
We couldn’t agree with that statement more.
The limitations put on the spouses of general and critical skills employment permit holders harm the broader economy just as it harms those with Stamp 3 Visas. This is the economic reality for Ireland as it approaches nearly full employment and the reality of an uncertain Brexit.
“With the threat of Brexit looming and many businesses looking to Ireland to expand, companies need to be aware that they can find the skilled workers they required here in Ireland,” said Senator Richmond. “If these workers are stuck in limbo and unable to contribute to our economy, this will be a serious issue for Ireland post-Brexit and into the future.”
The best solution for Ireland is to legislate more efficient policies, like automatically granting an employment permit for the spouse or partner when granting a work permit for a non-EEA national.
Senator Richmond’s speech was done as part of the Seanad’s Commencement Matters, which meant a member of the Government would come to respond.
Minister of State for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD spoke on behalf of the government. While her focus is on higher education currently, she previously held the Minister for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation.
The minister highlighted the spousal work permit as it exists, saying it promotes Ireland’s “attractiveness” for highly skilled workers. Still, she says improvements would help.
Minister O’Connor said, “I appreciate that the process is not as streamlined as it should be for family members of critical skilled employment permit holders.”
The issues facing Stamp 3 Visa holders falls under two main Irish government agencies: the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (which processes work permits) and the Department of Justice and Equality (which processes visas).
Minister O’Connor says both agencies are working on a few short-term improvements for Stamp 3: 1. A new letter of support for Stamp 3 permission holders to all Critical Skills Employment Permit applications, setting out the rules, processes, and options. 2. Including up-to-date and clear information on both department’s websites. 3. Improving the frequently asked questions document on the departments’ websites. 4. Drafting a leaflet highlighting what Stamp 3 Visa holders can do. This leaflet will be targeted at businesses, NGOs, and other “representative bodies.”
By all means, those changes will be welcomed but are hardly sufficient.
As Minister O’Connor pointed out, the spousal work permit “has an important role to play in maintaining Ireland’s ability to continue to attract these highly skilled workers.”
That is true. And failing to fix the problem, which results in far too many skilled people wasting their time in Ireland, will have the opposite effect. Skilled couples will leave Ireland, creating extra challenges for businesses in Ireland.
Senator Richmond pointed out in his speech that a multinational company in Dublin wants to hire more than a thousand workers, but permit delays are slowing down the process. This is incredibly critical with Ireland’s low unemployment rate (5.3%), as that will make hiring much more difficult.
Reforming Stamp 3 could let those companies tap into thousands of qualified workers. Failing to do so will result in many more leaving Ireland.
We are incredibly grateful for Senator Richmond’s attention to the issue. We will continue to raise the issue with ministers and other members of the Government.