
The situation
Due to extreme weather conditions, all government departments and agencies not involved in essential services are closed March 1-2, 2018.
A closer look
- All non-essential offices closed. All government departments and agencies not involved in essential services are closed March 1-2, 2018.
- INIS/GNIB Dublin closed. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) office in Dublin (Burgh Quay) and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in Dublin are closed. Immigration appointments are cancelled.
- DBEI closed. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) remains closed. Employment permit processing is suspended until the DBEI reopens.
- Other services. Public transport and postal services are suspended and many flights are cancelled.
- Affected regions. The closure affects Dublin and the Leinster and Munster regions. No general information is available for the Connaught and Ulster regions.
- Telephone ahead. Foreign nationals with appointments in other regions are advised to telephone the relevant office before travel.
Impact on foreign nationals
INIS will contact foreign nationals with cancelled appointments on March 1-2 directly to reschedule those appointments.
Foreign nationals with urgent appointments such as for re-entry permits are advised to contact their Fragomen professional.
The Fragomen office in Dublin will be closed, but the main phone line will stay open, manned through the Fragomen London office. Dublin staff will also monitor their emails remotely and will reply as soon as possible.
Looking ahead
Fragomen will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you informed.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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