The Department of Justice says it is “examining the immigration position of Chinese nationals” as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
It says this will include Chinese citizens in Ireland, who could require an extension of their permission to stay.
Those coming to the end of their visa may be allowed to stay here longer.
It says it will adopt a “pragmatic approach” – in relation to both visas and immigration permissions – for persons whose permissions are coming to an end.
The department adds that it is liaising closely with the HSE and monitoring “the ever-evolving situation”.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says the situation is being monitored.
“We have had similar issues in the past with viruses like SARS and MERS – and we know how it needs to be managed.
“There are a number of Irish citizens who are staying in the region in China, others who are being repatriated and will go through quarantine before they come into Ireland.
“The HSE is stepping up its response”.
It comes as two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK.
Public Health England says the patients are being treated in a specialist unit – and it’s upgraded the risk to the public from “low” to “moderate”.
While a plane carrying British nationals back from the city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak has landed in the UK.
83 Britons will now be placed into isolation for two weeks.
