---

Cloud-based work-permit portal will work on e-sigs

The employment-permit application process will be updated with the launch of a Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment (DETE) cloud-based system.

The ‘Employment Permits Online’ system will streamline the submission, processing, and issuance of employment permits.

The system also offers enhanced functionality and security features to benefit employers, employees, and agents alike.

Registration

To access the new Employment Permits Online system, all users must set up a portal account.

Employers will also need to provide additional key documents, such as Revenue and company-registration details.

The online system will launch on Monday 28 April, with the old website going offline at 6pm on Thursday 17 April.

Draft employment-permit applications prepared but not submitted before the EPOS system is taken offline will not be transferred to Employment Permits Online.

Employers who have already acquired ‘trusted partner’ status will find their accounts automatically validated on the new system upon initial registration.

DETE has said that the current employment-permit service utilises older technologies that  require updates.

The new system will deliver an improved customer experience and a more efficient and responsive service, it states.

The new system will introduce a portal space with separate and individual accounts for both employers, employees, and agents, making it easier to get up-to-date information on the status of applications.

It will also provide individual users with more ownership over the management of their accounts. 

Joint applications

An additional feature of Employment Permits Online is that all employment-permit applications will be jointly completed online by the parties involved – the employer and prospective employee (as well as the appointed agent, if applicable).

The application will be signed by all parties involved using an e-signature.