Humanitarian Practice Permit

From 1 June 2022, nurses and midwives from outside Ireland who wish to practise on a temporary basis in Ireland can now apply for a permit to do so. 

The Humanitarian Practice Permit has been introduced by NMBI following the signing of a commencement order by Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, which brings into operation Sections 39 and 41 of the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011. 

The legal change now allows practising nurses and midwives visiting Ireland for work purposes to apply for a Humanitarian Practice Permit in the following circumstances:

a. Patient transfer (emergency and acute clinical care)
b. Training that requires the nurse/midwife to be in a clinical area
c. Accompanying a client/person for a sporting event
d. Patient support for short term respite care. 

A person qualified to practise in a place outside the State and in the State for a humanitarian purpose may be issued with a permit by NMBI allowing them to practice for a period not longer than 30 days. 

• Please note this permit provision does not apply to nurses and midwives who are eligible to have their qualifications recognised under the European Union (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 8 of 2017) and who, accordingly, are eligible to apply to provide services on a temporary and occasional basis. 
• The Humanitarian Practice Permit is meant for nurses and midwives involved in care provision for an isolated practice episode. Should a nurse or midwife wish to practice on a regular basis they will need to apply to NMBI to join the Irish register. ​

If you require a Humanitarian Practice Permit, you can read our guide and access the application form below.

Humanitarian Practice Permit Guide

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Humanitarian Practice Application Form

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