New arrangements are being introduced to allow Spouses and Dependants of Employment Permit Holders to apply for work permits without a labour market needs test being undertaken. These new arrangements will give greater ease of access to employment for spouses and dependant unmarried children under the age of 18 who have been admitted to the State as family members of employment permit holders.

The new arrangements do not remove the requirement for a work permit for eligible spouses and dependants.

Rather, they will give greater ease of access to employment for such spouses and dependants by:

• Allowing them to apply for a work permit in respect of all occupations;
• Not requiring the employer in question to undertake a labour market test;

Either the employee or the employer can apply for a Spousal/Dependant work permit.
Any work permit granted will be issued to the employee and will allow their employment in the State by the employer and in the occupation specified on the permit. Permits can be renewed after the initial period granted.

Duration of the work permit.

A work permit under this Scheme will normally be issued for the period up to the expiry date of the permit of the existing employment permit holder.