With the state refusing Palestinian visas, Israelis get PPS numbers and work permits

More than 700 new PPS numbers and 600 work permits have been granted to Israelis in Ireland since October 2023. 

The Ditch reported last week that for the first time in a decade the Irish state refused more Palestinian visa applications than it granted – while Israelis continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Ireland.

Of the top 40 nationalities issued work permits in Ireland, Israelis have the lowest refusal rate this year, according to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. 

Only one percent of employment permit applications by Israelis were rejected. The rejection rate for Palestinians was four times higher.

From 2024 to 2026, 591 work permits were granted to Israelis, with just 72 issued to Palestinians.

Meanwhile 710 new PPS numbers were issued to Israeli citizens since October 2023, according to Department of Social Protection statistics. 

October 2023 saw a huge spike in applications, with the last quarter accounting for just under half of the 440 PPS numbers issued to Israelis that year.