On January 3rd, 2023, it was announced that fishers with a current valid permission under the Atypical Scheme will be granted a Stamp 4.
The Atypical Scheme (AWS) for Non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet is now closed (31st December 2022), following the agreement to transfer responsibility for work permission in this sector to the Employment Permit system.
During the ongoing transitional period, Fishers holding a current valid IRP (Irish Residence Permit) card under the Atypical Working Scheme, with permission to work as a non-EEA Crew member expiring on or after 1st of January 2023, will be granted a Stamp 4 immigration, on an exceptional basis. This also applies to permission granted to non-EEA fishing crew under the Scheme or to any individual holding a letter of permission under the Scheme issued on or after 3 October 2022 for the same purpose.
Qualifying fishers are advised to make an appointment as soon as possible at their local GNIB Office so that a Stamp 4 immigration permission can be awarded, and an updated IRP card issued. When attending for appointment at their local GNIB office they should present their current in-date passport, their most recent valid in-date letter or permission under the Scheme and their current IRP card (if applicable).
Please note that any non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet, whose AWS permission expired on or before the 31st of December 2022 and who has not renewed their permission will not benefit from this notice and the granting of a Stamp 4 immigration permission.
If this doesn’t apply to you and you’re wondering about your options as an undocumented fisher, please contact our caseworkers for more information and support.
Please see the full notice here.
