Ireland considers cutting English-language student visas to curb ‘back-door’ work migration
Ireland sets €12 m plan to cut asylum decisions from 18 months to six
Income bar for Irish family reunification leaps to €44,300, squeezing mid-tier assignees
Latest News
‘Slow-drive’ taxi protest chokes access to Dublin Airport, forcing companies to rewrite travel plans
A co-ordinated ‘slow-drive’ by 1,500 taxis around Dublin Airport on 27 November caused major delays, prompting the DAA to issue passenger warnings. The protest over Uber’s fixed-fare plans underscores the fragility of ground-access for Ireland’s busiest hub and forced firms to authorise unplanned transport work-arounds.
Ireland Raises Family-Reunification Salary Threshold to €44,300
Ireland has replaced its €30,000 flat income test for non-EEA family reunification with a new benchmark set at the national median salary (€44,300) and a sliding scale for larger households. Sponsors must also prove they have adequate housing. The change raises relocation costs and planning complexity for employers moving talent into Ireland.
Refugees Must Now Live Five Years in Ireland Before Applying for Citizenship
Cabinet has approved legislation extending the naturalisation wait for refugees from three to five years and introducing a ‘self-sufficiency’ test that excludes applicants who relied on certain welfare benefits. Employers must update talent-management timelines and support programmes accordingly.
Working Asylum-Seekers to Pay Up to €238 per Week for State Accommodation
International protection applicants who hold jobs will soon face a compulsory deduction of 10–40 % of wages (up to €238 weekly) to offset state accommodation costs. The move could affect 7,500 workers and necessitates payroll and budget adjustments by employers.
Government Targets Three-to-Six-Month Turnaround for Asylum Decisions by 2026
Justice officials aim to cut asylum decision times to three-to-six months by mid-2026, backed by €12 million in new funding and expanded staffing. Faster outcomes would let employers access talent sooner but may strain resources during the transition.
Taxi ‘Slow-Drive’ Protest Chokes Access to Dublin Airport
A two-hour taxi ‘slow-drive’ around Dublin Airport caused major delays for departing passengers, highlighting the fragility of ground access ahead of the Christmas peak. Employers should update contingency plans and consider alternative transport options.
Belgian Strike Grounds Dublin–Brussels Flights, Forcing Irish Firms to Reroute
A 24-hour Belgian general strike cancelled Dublin–Brussels flights, forcing Irish travellers to reroute via alternative hubs or move meetings online. The disruption highlights the need for contingency routing and strike-monitoring in corporate travel programmes.