Ireland Announces New Flexible Work Permit Rules For Foreign Workers; Check Details

Peter Burke, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade, & Employment, announced that the updates to the Employment Permits Acts would make the system more flexible while safeguarding employees' rights

Ireland implemented new and more flexible work permit regulations on Monday, September 2, 2024. These regulations are designed to better address the needs of its labour market and retain current talent. These updated regulations are expected to simplify the process for both foreign workers and employers, making it easier to navigate the complexities of obtaining and managing work permits. 

Peter Burke, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, announced that the updates to the Employment Permits Acts would make the system more flexible while safeguarding employees' rights.

New Rules Updates:

Under the revised rules, certain employment permit holders can change employers after nine months to improve worker mobility. Additionally, a new seasonal employment permit will be introduced to address the unique needs of industries such as fruit picking, which depend on seasonal labour.

Subcontractors will now be included in the employment permit system, expanding opportunities for foreign workers across different industries. The new regulations will also introduce additional obligations for employers, including requirements for training and accommodation support for permit holders.

Notably, the changes will enable non-consultant hospital doctors to obtain permits to work across multiple sites, enhancing flexibility in the healthcare sector. Additionally, permit holders can receive promotions within their current roles without applying for a new permit.

The updated regulations introduce expanded employment permit quotas for critical roles. Specifically, 500 permits will be allocated to the home care sector to meet the increasing demand for care workers. Additionally, 250 permits will be issued to lineworkers to alleviate pressure on ESB Networks' overhead line framework contractors.

The Employment Permits Act 2024 pertains to individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and is designed to streamline employment and residence processes in Ireland. The government has highlighted that these changes will enhance the permit system's flexibility, allowing it to adapt quickly to labour market shifts.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment Peter Burke told RTE News, "The improvements in the new Act will allow for a more modern, flexible employment permits system as well as ensuring employee rights are maintained. It will greatly benefit employers and permit holders alike."

Minister of State for Business, Employment, and Retail Emer Higgins added, "Ireland needs to attract more international talent. This new law, along with recent measures like the granting of work rights to the eligible spouses and partners of certain employment permit holders and the rollout of a single permission to both work and live in Ireland – will massively help to achieve this goal."