Thousands of international students are calling for their visas to be extended because they haven't been able to fullfil "a vital part" of their reason for studying in Ireland, the chance to work in graduate level employment.
The Third Level Graduate Programme allows Irish educated non-EEA graduates remain here after their studies, for the purpose of seeking graduate level employment.
The graduates are generally permitted to work here for between one and two years. More than 16,800 people are on a Stamp 1G or graduate work visa.
During the pandemic fewer companies were hiring and many graduates have ended up in unpaid jobs, frontline services, and in positions they are over-qualified for.