Starting September 2, Ireland will implement new, more flexible work permit regulations aimed at addressing labor market needs and retaining skilled talent. The revised rules are designed to simplify the permit process for foreign workers and employers, making it easier to navigate.

Peter Burke, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, announced that these updates to the Employment Permits Acts will create a more adaptable system while safeguarding employee rights.

Highlights of the New Regulations

The updated rules will allow some employment permit holders to change employers after just nine months, enhancing worker mobility. A new seasonal employment permit will also be introduced to support industries like fruit picking that depend on seasonal labor.

Subcontractors will gain access to the employment permit system, expanding job opportunities for foreign workers across various sectors. Additionally, employers will face new requirements, including obligations for training and accommodation support for permit holders.

A notable change is that non-consultant hospital doctors will now be able to hold a permit allowing them to work at multiple sites, adding flexibility to the healthcare sector. Moreover, permit holders will be able to receive promotions within their current roles without needing to apply for a new permit.

Expanded Quotas for Key Roles

The new regulations also increase permit quotas for critical roles. The home care sector will receive 500 permits to address the rising demand for care workers. Another 250 permits will be allocated to lineworkers to support ESB Networks' overhead line framework contractors.

The Employment Permits Act 2024, which applies to individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), aims to facilitate employment and residence in Ireland. The government highlights that these changes will make the permit system more responsive to labor market shifts.

Minister Burke commented, "The new Act will modernize and make the employment permits system more flexible while ensuring that employee rights are protected. This will greatly benefit both employers and permit holders."

Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Business, Employment, and Retail, added, "To attract more international talent, Ireland is introducing this new law along with recent measures, such as granting work rights to eligible spouses and partners of certain permit holders, and providing a single permission for both work and residence."

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