The Irish government recently declared the largest expansion in the history of its employment permits system, marking a significant shift in immigration law and policy. This expansion, which began taking effect on December 20, 2023, incorporates numerous adjustments, notably the inclusion of new occupations in the Critical Skills Occupation List and changes in salary requirements for various employment permit categories.
The update in December added 11 occupations to the Critical Skills Occupation List, including roles like professional forester, meteorologist, and BIM coordinator, among others. Additionally, 32 occupations formerly ineligible for Employment Permits, such as social care workers and electricians, were made eligible. This move is largely a response to skill shortages within Ireland, aiming to attract Non-European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals to these critical roles.
Moreover, starting January 17, 2024, there's an uptick in the minimum salary requirements for General Employment Permits (GEPs) and Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEPs), now set at EUR 34,000 and EUR 38,000 respectively. The Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit also saw a salary increase. These changes reflect an attempt to align with the economic growth and inflation rates not previously accounted for in nearly a decade.
However, a notable reversal occurred on January 25, 2024, when the government decided not to raise the minimum salary for healthcare assistants and home carers, maintaining it at EUR 27,000. Yet, salary requirements for horticultural workers and meat processors have increased.
Additionally, the government will extend existing quotas for certain occupations like dairy farm assistants and meat processors. This decision reflects the ongoing labor demands in these sectors. The Labor Market Needs Test (LMNT), a crucial aspect of the GEP application, will now reflect these revised salary thresholds, necessitating employers to adapt to these new standards.
Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE) has published a roadmap indicating further increases in salary thresholds for all Employment Permit types by EUR 5,000 – 7,000 by July 2025. This plan is in response to the country's low unemployment rates and the urgent need to fill labor shortages with qualified foreign workers.
Pros:
The update in December added 11 occupations to the Critical Skills Occupation List, including roles like professional forester, meteorologist, and BIM coordinator, among others. Additionally, 32 occupations formerly ineligible for Employment Permits, such as social care workers and electricians, were made eligible. This move is largely a response to skill shortages within Ireland, aiming to attract Non-European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals to these critical roles.
Moreover, starting January 17, 2024, there's an uptick in the minimum salary requirements for General Employment Permits (GEPs) and Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEPs), now set at EUR 34,000 and EUR 38,000 respectively. The Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit also saw a salary increase. These changes reflect an attempt to align with the economic growth and inflation rates not previously accounted for in nearly a decade.
However, a notable reversal occurred on January 25, 2024, when the government decided not to raise the minimum salary for healthcare assistants and home carers, maintaining it at EUR 27,000. Yet, salary requirements for horticultural workers and meat processors have increased.
Additionally, the government will extend existing quotas for certain occupations like dairy farm assistants and meat processors. This decision reflects the ongoing labor demands in these sectors. The Labor Market Needs Test (LMNT), a crucial aspect of the GEP application, will now reflect these revised salary thresholds, necessitating employers to adapt to these new standards.
Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE) has published a roadmap indicating further increases in salary thresholds for all Employment Permit types by EUR 5,000 – 7,000 by July 2025. This plan is in response to the country's low unemployment rates and the urgent need to fill labor shortages with qualified foreign workers.
Pros:
- Attracting Skilled Workers: The inclusion of new occupations in the Critical Skills List may attract more skilled non-EEA nationals.
- Aligning with Economic Growth: Increased salary requirements reflect current economic and inflation rates, ensuring fair compensation.
- Filling Labor Shortages: The expansion addresses immediate labor shortages in critical sectors.
- Long-Term Planning: The DETE’s roadmap indicates a proactive approach to future economic changes.
- Increased Costs for Employers: Higher salary thresholds may increase operational costs for businesses.
- Complexity in Compliance: Adjusting to new salary requirements and quota extensions might complicate compliance for some employers.
- Potential Exclusion of Lower-Wage Workers: Increased salary thresholds could exclude potential applicants in lower-wage occupations.
- Rapid Policy Changes: Frequent changes and reversals in policy, like with healthcare assistants and home carers, may cause uncertainty for employers and employees alike.
