Breaking News: Ireland’s Employment Permit Undergoes Historic Expansion
Discover the significant shifts as Ireland’s Employment Permit undergoes historic expansion with Portobello Spring for a smooth transition.
Minister Richmond Unveils Unprecedented Changes in Response to High Demand and Skills Shortages
In a groundbreaking announcement, Minister Neale Richmond TD, the Minister of State for Business, Employment, and Retail, has revealed the most extensive expansion ever witnessed in Ireland’s employment permits system. These transformative changes, designed to address skills shortages and bolster various sectors, include 43 new job categories becoming eligible for employment permits and a comprehensive roadmap outlining salary threshold adjustments.
Diverse Eligibility Enhancements:
Minister Richmond’s announcement includes significant updates, such as the addition of 11 roles to the Critical Skills Occupations List and the eligibility extension to 32 roles for a General Employment Permit. This expansion spans a wide spectrum of professions, ranging from engineers and mechanics to meteorologists, butchers, and bakers.
Salary Threshold Adjustments:
The salary requirements for majority of General Employment Permit holders is set to rise from €30,000 to €34,000 in January 2024. Notable increases are also outlined for specific roles, aligning with family reunification thresholds. Healthcare assistants and home carers salary requirement will increase from €27,000 to €30,000 in January 2024. Horticultural workers and meat processor salary requirement will increase from €22,000 to €30,000 in January 2024. These changes will bring them in line with family reunification thresholds
Quota Extensions and LMNT Requirement:
Recognizing the demand in specific occupations, quotas for dairy farm assistants, butcher/deboners, meat processors, and horticultural workers have been extended. A new prerequisite for General Employment Permit applications is introduced – the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT), ensuring validity by reflecting the revised thresholds.
Breaking News: Ireland’s Employment Permit Undergoes Historic Expansion
Minister Richmond’s Vision:
Minister Richmond expressed his delight at the historic expansion, emphasizing the positive impact on Irish businesses and society. From addressing skills shortages to supporting critical sectors like healthcare and transportation, the changes aim to bring about comprehensive benefits.
Roadmap for Salary Threshold Progression:
A meticulous roadmap for salary threshold progression has been unveiled. The minimum salary for new General Employment Permits will increase to €34,000 in January 2024, gradually reaching €39,000. Minister Richmond justified these overdue adjustments, highlighting the importance of recognizing the contribution of migrant workers and ensuring quality employment.
Extended Quotas for Specific Occupations:
To meet immediate demands, quotas for several occupations have been extended, including 1,000 General Employment Permits for meat processing operatives, 350 for butcher/deboners, 350 for dairy farm assistants, and 1,000 for horticultural workers.
Occupational Inclusions and Exclusions:
The Critical Skills Occupations List sees new additions like Professional Foresters, Meteorologists, and Commercial Managers. Occupations previously ineligible for a General Employment Permit, including Play Therapists, Genetic Counsellors, and Smiths, are now eligible, expanding opportunities for a diverse range of professions.
Understanding Ireland’s Employment Permits System:
The blog delves into Ireland’s policy of promoting labor and skills sourcing from within Ireland, the EU, and the EEA. It categorizes occupations into Critical Skills, Ineligible, and General Employment Permit lists, explaining the purpose and criteria for each.
Conclusion:
Minister Richmond’s recent announcement heralds a new era for Ireland’s employment permits system. These groundbreaking changes are poised to alleviate skills shortages, support critical sectors, and ensure a fair balance between workers’ rights and business needs. As Ireland adapts to evolving economic circumstances, these updates are set to have a profound and positive impact on the workforce and society at large. Stay informed and make the most of these transformative changes in Ireland’s employment landscape. Your gateway to new opportunities starts here.
| Employment Permit Type | Current Thresholds | Jan ’24 | Jan ’25Indicative rates* | July ’25 | Jan ’26 |
| General | €30,000 | €34,000 | €39,000 | ||
| Meat Processing / Horticulture | €22,916 | €30,000 | €32,000 | €34,000 | €39,000 |
| Healthcare Assistant / Home Carer | €27,000 | €30,000 | €34,000 | €34,000 | €39,000 |
| Graduate Positions; Language Skills Specialist | €27,000 | €34,000 | €39,000 | ||
| Butcher / Boner | €27,500 | €34,000 | €39,000 | ||
| Critical Skills with a degree | €32,000 | €38,000 | €44,000 | ||
| Critical Skills without a degree | €64,000 | no change | no change | ||
| Intra-Company Transfer (Trainee) | €30,000 | €34,000 | €39,000 | ||
| Intra-Company Transfer | €40,000 | €46,000 | €53,000 | ||
| Contract for Services | €40,000 | €46,000 | €53,000 |
** Changes to the salary requirements are effective as of 17 January 2024.
*** Extension of existing quotas are effective as of 17 January 2024.
Summary of Recommended Changes to the Occupations Lists
Occupations added to Critical Skills Occupation List:
- Professional Forester
- Resource modelling, earth observation and data analyst
- Meteorologist
- Operational Forecaster
- Chemical Engineer
- Project Engineer
- BIM Manager
- Optometrist (Ophthalmic Optician)
- Commercial Manager
- BIM Coordinator/Technician
- Estimator
Occupations removed from Ineligible Occupations List, making them eligible for a General Employment Permit:
- Residential Day and Domiciliary Case Managers – in Disability Services
- Play Therapist – in Disability Services
- Genetic Counsellor
- Social Care Worker
- Family Support Workers – in Disability Services
- Project Offices, Disability
- Support Worker (social, community, public and charity)
- Guide Dog Mobility Instructor for the Visually Impaired
- Autism Assistance Dog Instructor
- Pig Managers
- Smiths and forge workers
- Moulders, core makers and die casters
- Metal plate workers and riveters
- Car mechanic, Motor mechanic, Auto electrician, Motor vehicle technician
- HGV mechanic
- Vehicle body builders and repairers/Body shop panel beaters
- Electrician, electrical contractor, electrical engineer,
- Vehicle paint technician
- Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades supervisors
- Upholstery and furniture operatives
- Butchers/(de)boner
- Baker
- Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers
- Senior Care Workers – in Disability Services
- Textile Process Operatives
- Wood Machine Operatives
- Saw Doctor/Wood Machine Mechanic
- Armature Rewinder
- Pig Farm Assistants
- Speciality Forestry Harvesting Technician
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. It is your responsibility to seek professional advice tailored to your specific situation.
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