To ask the Minister for Communities whether she is aware of any issues or delays specific to Northern Ireland regarding the issuing of National Insurance numbers to migrants who wish to legally work; and how the speed of the application process in Northern Ireland differs from other regions of the UK.

There are no specific issues or delays here in relation to the issuing of National Insurance numbers to migrants who wish to legally work here. You can start work without a National Insurance number if you can prove you have the right to work. In those cases where we are currently able to process a request for a National Insurance number, the applicant is allocated a number within 7 working days, against a target of 16 days. The Department for Work & Pensions target for processing is 15 days.

In order for a National Insurance number to be allocated, an individual’s identity must be verified. Application interviews for employment-related National Insurance numbers have been suspended due to the pandemic as they require a face to face interview in a Jobs & Benefits Office. These offices have been closed to the public with the exception of limited opening to deal with specific emergency situations.

We are allocating National Insurance numbers to non EU individuals who enter the country on a visa and have already had their identity verified as part of that process.

We are also continuing to process applications for benefit inspired National Insurance numbers by telephony, as this is required to pay benefits. Information provided by the person on their claim and information already held on our benefit systems is used to verify identity.

The National Insurance Number registration helpline (028 90 138286 or 028 90 138287) is available Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 4.00pm. The helpline is recording contact details for employment-related applicants so we can get in touch with people as soon as we are able to resume face-to-face interviews.

It is hoped the digital solution will be in place during 2021.