A new permit scheme giving non-EEA migrant fishers the same rights as EU crew members has been welcomed by the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO).
The Department of Justice confirmed the new arrangements this week, which provide for a “more streamlined process”, the IFPO says.
Under the new scheme, all holders of a current valid permission to work as a non-EEA crew member under the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) in the Irish Fishing Fleet expiring on or after January 1st 2023 will be granted a Stamp 4 immigration permission.
IFPO chief executive Aodh O Donnell said the award of Stamp 4 permission” is a critical and much embraced change to the status of crew employed in the Irish fishing fleet under the auspices of the problematic Atypical Working Scheme”.
“Our members have worked hard with us, as a representative body, to support the right of all non-EEA migrant fishers to fair treatment and for fit for purpose permitting. This is positive news with the introduction of measures to protect migrant fishers and to grant them the full rights and entitlements under employment legislation,” O’Donnell said.
“This legislative change gives qualifying non-EEA crew the same full entitlements as EU crew and the option to avail of the share-based remuneration. Furthermore, the process of permitting is streamlined for both crew and vessel owners. Costs of administration are also radically reduced to the benefit of all stakeholders,”he said.
The IFPO paid tribute to Minister for Marine Charlie McConalogue and Minister of State with responsibility for Employment Affairs Damien English for “spearheading this much needed legislative initiative”.