Factsheet for measure
IE-2024-1/3876
– measures in Ireland
Highest ever number of employment permits issued as extra occupations added to eligible list and Ireland reaches full employment
Background information
In 2024, there was a rising demand for work permits driven by both an increase in economic activity and the fact that many industries are struggling to recruit and retain staff with Ireland experiencing full employment.
Over the course of 2024, in response to submissions and cases made by industry representatives, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment added an additional 43 roles to the Occupations Lists eligible for employment permits.
Content of measure
In the twelve months to the end of December 2024, a total of 38,189 employment permits were issued to non-EEA migrant workers in Ireland. This is the highest annual total of employment permits ever issued in Ireland and represents an increase of almost one-quarter (24%) when compared with 2023.
In total, over 32,480 new permits issued with a further 5,709 renewals.
Approximately half (51%) of the new permits issued were Critical Skills Employment Permits. These permits are designed to attract highly skilled people into the labour market with the aim of encouraging them to take up permanent residence in the State. Eligible occupations under this type of permit are deemed to be critically important to growing Ireland’s economy and in significant shortage of supply in our labour market, for example, doctors, nurses, engineers, ICT professionals. The average salary for these critical skills roles was €58,746.
Use of measure
In terms of sectoral breakdown, of employment permits:
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Over 12,000 permits were issued for working in the health sector including for nurses and health care assistants.
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Over 6,500 work permits were granted for professionals working in the ICT sector.
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Over 3,500 permits were granted for the agri sector.
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Almost 3,000 permits were granted for chefs.
In terms of nationalities to whom work permits were issued, the top five are:
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India - 13,147
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Brazil - 4,458
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Philippines - 3,944
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China - 1,903
Pakistan - 1,690
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
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No special funding required
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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No involvement
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No involvement
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Form
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Not applicable
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Not applicable
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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No involvement
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Main level of involvement: N/A
Involvement
N/A
Views and reactions
N/A
Sources
