Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

The Work

Immigration officers check the eligibility of all individuals entering the country at sea- and airports.

They are responsible for enforcing immigration control in line with the law and, where necessary, employ legal powers to detain or remove illegal entrants. 

-Deciding on the granting of permission to individuals to enter the State and, where applicable, refusing entry.

-Examining passports and identifying potentially forged documentation, luggage and personal searches, conducting personal interviews with passengers – working through interpreters where necessary, and objectively evaluating the information presented.

-Working in close co-operation with An Garda Síochána and other airport stakeholders.

-Using relevant technology.

-Other related functions including general administrative work and report writing.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
• Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
• Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
• Locate and seise contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise.
• Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
• Institute civil and criminal prosecutions and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of those in violation of immigration or customs laws.
• Testify regarding decisions at immigration appeals or in federal court.
• Record and report job-related activities, findings, transactions, violations, discrepancies, and decisions.
• Determine duty and taxes to be paid on goods.
• Collect samples of merchandise for examination, appraisal, or testing.

Further Information

• Immigration Officer - passport control - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Immigration Officer - passport control - from: Irishimmigration.ie

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

There may not be a formal education requirement, but a relevant qualification in a field such as legal studies, languages or security studies is likely to be an asset.

The position also comes with citizenship (EEA),health and character requirements, PSA Licencing for Dept of Justice Immigration border management unit

Skills & experience development: 

FET Centre Full & part time Security & Guarding skills: Static & Site NFQ level 4 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Security, criminology, policing studies NFQ level 5 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €27k - €45k

Salaries vary by employer, location, roles, duties, shift pattern, and experience. 

Data Source(s):
PAS / Gov.ie/ Forsa

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The changes in classification as a result of the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017 are partly responsible for the strong employment growth rate for this occupation, although employment also grew strongly between 2019 and 2020, and continued to grow in 2022. Those employed are primarily female (69%), working full-time (90%), and over half (55%) held third-level qualifications. With a higher than average share of persons employed aged 55 years and older (31% compared to 19% for all occupations), replacement demand is likely to result in opportunities opening up for these roles even if employment growth slows.

There was a significant number of vacancies advertised online for clerical officer roles across the civil service and Government administration roles. However, recent job hires for 2022 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. While job openings are set to continue, upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.

• Department of Justice and Equality

  • 94 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2
  • (01) 602 8202
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Private Security Authority

  • Davis Street, Tipperary Town
  • 062 32600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here