Ireland will start applying more flexible work permit rules next week in a bid to meet labour market needs and retain the talent already in the country.
Starting September 2, 2024, several key changes that are aimed at facilitating the process from foreign workers and employers will start applying, Schengen.News reports.
Announcing the news, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, Peter Burke, said that the improvement in the country’s Employment Permits Acts will allow for a more flexible system.
The same stressed that the improvement will ensure that the rights of employees are being maintained.
As RTE explains, under the new rules, some categories of work permit holders will be able to change their employer after a period of only nine months.
In addition to that, in order to support the marker needs in certain sectors, such as fruit picking, Ireland will introduce a new seasonal employment permit.
Even though the authorities have yet to share the details of this permit, the document will be targeted at those who only want to work in the country for short periods of time.
For example, berry pickers are only needed in the country during the harvest season. This permit is expected to significantly benefit this group of foreign workers and businesses within the country that need more workers during certain seasons.
Another change is that work permits will allow their holders to get promoted within their roles without having to apply for a new permit.
Moreover, the new rules will require additional conditions, such as accommodation and training, to support those who hold work permits.
According to RTE, a new quota of a total of 500 work permits will be allocated to the care sector. In addition to that, a quota of another 250 work permits will be issued to lineworkers.
By increasing the quota, Ireland aims to help alleviate the strain on ESB Networks’ overhead line framework contractors.
As Minister Burke noted, all these changes will greatly benefit both permit holders and employers in Ireland.
Moreover, the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Reatil of Ireland, Emer Higgins, emphasised that Ireland needs to attract more foreign talent before shortages start to deepen.
Source : https://schengen.news/ireland-to-implement-more-favourable-work-permit-rules-starting-september-2/
