New Employment Permits Act 2024 Reforms Ireland’s Work Permit System

New Employment Permits Act 2024 Rings Changes

The Employment Permits Act 2024 was officially passed on June 25, 2024. According to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Act has been established to reform, modernise and streamline Ireland’s employment permits system. 

The Act is based on the recommendations in the Review of Economic Migration Policy published in 2018. 

Key provisions of the Act include:

Flexibility to Change Employers

Fixed employment rules have been relaxed for General or Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders. Under the Act, permit holders can change employers after nine months. This condition has emerged to enhance worker protection and reduce the risk of exploitation. Several NGOs have previously campaigned for this ‘vital’ protection.

New Seasonal Employment Permits 

The Act has passed the inception of an annual registration and approval process for employers hiring seasonal workers. The new scheme permits non-EEA nationals to have seasonal and recurrent job roles in Ireland. It is intended to fill short-term shortages of necessary skills in Ireland. The pilot scheme will launch in 2025 and is restricted to specific seasonal worker employers. Breaches of the process can negatively affect future approvals. 

Change to Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT)

Under the Act, the requirement that job offers be advertised in national newspapers has been scrapped. Instead, adverts must be posted on two online platforms, including EURES (JobsIreland.ie). The job advertisements currently have to be live for 28 days. Upcoming regulations will specify the duration and content of those adverts.

New Conditions for Work Permits

The Act enables the Minister to control specific conditions for general and seasonal permits. These conditions might cover accommodation, training, and expenses for permit holders. The Minister will be permitted to make regulations specifying classes of foreign nationals for employment permits and when the ‘prescribed fee shall not be payable’. 

Faster Adjustments Offer Flexibility to the Labour Market

The Act ensures a swifter transition from primary legislation to regulation, aimed at a proactive response to shifts in the labour market. Typically, this includes changes to the Critical Skills Occupations List, ineligible occupations, and quotas for labour-shortage occupations. The Minister cites the change as providing agility and adaptability in an evolving labour market without continuously amending primary legislation. 

How Can IAS Help?

Speak to an Ireland immigration lawyer to clarify your Ireland visa options. Our experts can help you navigate changes to immigration law and understand eligibility and the application process. 

We can help you understand how changes may affect your plans and the new opportunities that come with the adjustments. Whether you need advice and assistance on your Ireland visa application or want to know your options, we can help.

We can help you submit your visa application swiftly with supporting documentation that complies with immigration law in Ireland. Our service ensures the best possible chance of success. Call us today on 0333 305 9375 or contact us online to discuss your needs and goals.