In This Section

Introduction
Documentation requirements
General information
Conditions
Training Materials

Introduction

This page outlines additional information and requirements for people coming to the State to provide services as a locum doctor in the Primary Care (General Practice) sector.

Documentation requirements

If you are coming to the State to work as a locum doctor in the Primary Care (General Practice) sector, you should complete the application form below and submit the form with the following documents:

  • A colour copy of your entire, up to date passport. This passport must be valid for at least the duration of the permission being sought

  • A letter of authorisation, signed by you instructing that the legal representative or agency may act on your behalf if a legal representative or agency is applying on your behalf

  • Evidence of your registration with the Irish Medical Council

  • A letter confirming the offer of employment from the Irish-based host body, outlining the job description, your salary in Euro while in the State, the duration of the contract, and detailed information regarding the dates and locations of proposed employment

  • Proof of payment of the application fee to the Department of Justice.

The following additional documentation is required in the case of any subsequent application under the Atypical Working Scheme to return to the State as a locum doctor in the Primary Care (General Practice) sector following permission previously granted for this purpose:

  • Evidence of the dates and locations of employment in the State under the previously granted permission must be provided and

  • Evidence of compliance with tax obligations by the agency or the Primary Care employer and the applicant.

General information

  • All applications for permission to undertake locum work under the Atypical Working Scheme must be made from outside the State

  • Permission will only be granted to work as a locum doctor in the Primary Care (General Practice) sector. No other work in any capacity is permitted

  • Locum work may not be undertaken in conjunction with an Employment Permit

  • Agencies may not register on their books a doctor who holds an Employment Permit

  • Doctors must be registered with one agency only. The responsibility rests on agencies to ensure compliance with this requirement

  • The Irish based host body (agency or otherwise) must keep an up-to-date record of all work undertaken by the doctor during the 90-day timeframe for which permission under the Atypical Working Scheme is granted and must make this record available to the HSE if requested

  • Agencies must possess a valid license from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) allowing them to engage in employment or recruitment work. For more information, see the WRC’s website.

Conditions

  • A doctor must be in receipt of an offer of employment from an Irish-based host body (for example an agency, out of hours service, or General Practitioner) before an application is submitted

  • A permission of 90 consecutive days will be granted during which time the doctor may undertake work as required in the Primary Care (General Practice) sector only. This 90-day period, which covers all aspects of a person’s time in the State, will commence on date of entry to the State and will expire on the 90th day thereafter
  • Exit from and re-entry into the State to a maximum of 14 days will be permitted during this 90 day period. This 14 day period can be taken consecutively or over multiple smaller exit-re-entry patterns, as determined by the individual in line with their employment obligations

  • A doctor must leave the State on or before the expiry of the 90 day permission. A new application can be made immediately upon departure from the State, however, at least 30 days must elapse from the expiry date of the 90 day permission (regardless of how long within that time frame the doctor was actually present in the State) before the doctor enters the State. The new Atypical Working Scheme application must be made and approved before the doctor enters the State

  • Each application must include required supporting documentation and payment of the associated fee. If an application is successful, the person will receive a letter of approval. This letter of approval will remain valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. If the letter of approval is not used within 90 days, a new application will be required under this Scheme and a new application fee will also apply
  • As no single visit will exceed 90 days, successful applicants are not required to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau
  • The 90-day period will not be extended.

Training Materials