Brexit Could Generate Surge in Ireland Work Permit Applications and Compound Skills Shortages
Due to the United Kingdom currently exiting the European Union, Ireland is seeing an increase of Ireland work permit applications being submitted compared to previous years. Latest figures from the DJEI show a 31% growth in the number of Irish work permits granted in the first 10 months of this year alone. That along with the new online system for submission of permit applications that was introduced by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and innovation/DJEI has led to a significant delay in processing times.
As a global visa specialist, VisaFirst strives to provide a simplified service to its customers to ensure every application is submitted according to standards and “decision ready”.
Many companies in Ireland are struggling to find skilled employees within the country and are extending their search overseas.
The most recent statistics from DJEI reveal requirements from Irish companies for workers with skills in the following areas:
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Pharmaceuticals
- IT
- BioTechnology
- Telecommunications
- Business & Financial Project Management
- International Business Marketing
- Data Analysis
- International Cuisine
The primary Ireland work permit options:
The Working Holiday Visa: This visa allows applicants to work for up to 2 years in Ireland. The visa is limited to countries that have reciprocal agreements with Ireland.
The Ireland General Employment Permit: The permit requires the applicant to have a job offer and a minimum remuneration of €30,000 p/a. A labour market test needs to be completed for this permit to be submitted. The applicant must have the relevant qualifications, or experience that is required for the job.
The Critical Skills Ireland Employment Permit (previously known as the Irish Green Card): The permit requires the applicant to earn a minimum remuneration package of €60,000 or more. It is also available to certain high-skilled occupations earning a remuneration of €30,000-€60,000 including ICT professionals, professional engineers and technologists, etc. who have highly relevant formal qualifications (minimum level needed – Bachelor degree) to their occupation. Initially issued for 2 years, it allows immediate family reunification and can be a pathway to long term residency.
The Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit: The permit requires the applicant to earn a remuneration of at least €40,000 p/a. The applicant needs to demonstrate that they have been working for the overseas company for at least 6 months prior to their transfer. No labour market test is needed. The permit is limited to high level management, key personnel or those undergoing training programme.
The Contract for Services Employment Permit: This Ireland work permit may be issued to facilitate the transfer of non-EU employees to work for an Irish contractor provided that the employee in question has been working for a minimum period of 6 months with the overseas company prior to the transfer and that the duration of the transfer is at least 90 days. The overseas company must be registered in Ireland to avail of that permit.
The Investor & Start-up Visas: This visa programme is for non-EEA nationals and their families with funds to invest in Ireland. Approved applicants will be granted residence in Ireland with possibility of an ongoing renewal. Investment categories include public projects, investments into new or existing businesses for defined periods. Investment amounts range from €500,000 up to €2,000,000.
Ireland Employment Permits:
Ireland Work Permit information
Ireland Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
Information about Ireland Visas