Irish businesses have been advised to step up immigration compliance, as the government has announced that it will crack down on its enforcement of the rules.
The government’s intensifying of enforcement aims to ensure adherence to national immigration laws and minimise the illegal employment of foreign nationals.
Employers that are found to be employing an individual without the proper permissions to work in Ireland will face a number of penalties.
The amount of workplace inspections and crackdowns on illegal employment is likely to increase in the coming months.
While employers are typically cognisant of the wider labour and employment law requirements, Fragomen – a company dedicated to immigration services worldwide – notes that it is equally important to follow Ireland’s immigration and employment permit legislation.
Inspections are frequently carried out by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), to ensure that employers are meeting immigration standards.
Employers, in turn, should ensure that they have clear policies around the tracking and monitoring of an employee’s immigration status.
With new legislation pending, employers need robust record-keeping practices and full awareness of their immigration obligations, to ensure that all parties remain compliant.
This includes ancillary obligations in respect of the holders of valid permits.
‘An Increase In Inspections’
Ángel Bello-Cortés, a partner with Fragomen Ireland, said, “Non-compliance with employment permits legislation carries a number of penalties.
“While the government has typically focused on its enforcement on industries where ‘casual’ work may be more commonplace, such as hospitality, construction, and fast food, we would expect an increase in inspections across the board.
“The legal framework for penalising illegal employment and immigration compliance breaches generally, in an employment context, exists and is laid out clearly in the Employment Permits Act.
“In light of recent statements by the government, we would expect increased workplace inspections and compliance enforcement.
“Essentially, an increased focus on compliance by authorities does not need to wait for legislative action – it could happen tomorrow.”
