About eight out of ten overseas construction workers coming to Ireland need both employment permits and an entry visa, causing the market to fall behind.
According to data by the Department of Enterprise, until September 2024, 1,102 work permits were issued to construction workers from third countries. About 76 per cent of them needed an entry visa to enter the country, Schengen.News reports.
Majority of Skilled Workers in Ireland Are From Philippines & Brazil
The data also reveals that Filipinos were granted 192 out of 1,102 work permits issued since the beginning of 2024. This makes the nationality group one of the main beneficiaries. Filipinos, like the rest of other nationalities in this group (except Brazilians), need a Schengen visa in order to enter the country.
Around 180 permits were issued to Indians and 130 to South Africans, which further proves how reliant the labour market is on immigration.
However, Heneghan pointed out that by reducing visa hassles, bringing immigrant workers to Ireland would be more convenient and would encourage them to pick Ireland as their destination.
This could also help with the interest of foreigners in obtaining work permits which in the recent years has been affected. Data by the Department of Enterprise reveals that the rate at which permits are being issued is considerably lower than in 2023.
Ireland Struggles to Fill In the Number of Workers Needed in Construction
The Government is struggling to meet the target under the Housing for All plan. A review of the employment permits regime last year revealed that skilled roles in construction were very low. This led to a possible review of eligibility provisions.
He also said that the current permit system is not convenient enough to serve the needs of the construction industry. A trial period of two years of introducing a Construction Employment Permit that is similar to the seasonal permit, could help.
Source: https://schengen.news/demanding-visa-requirements-severely-impacting-irelands-labour-market/
