DEC/2024 – Salary threshold increase is on hold. New public consultation in place before Ministry makes a decision.
In December 2024, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment announced a deferral of the planned increases to the Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) for employment permits that were scheduled for January 2025, pending the outcome of a comprehensive review. This decision was made in recognition of the increased costs of doing business and aims to ensure that future MAR adjustments provide stability for both employers and permit holders. However, the previously deferred increase to €30,000 for Health Care Assistants, Home Carers, and Care Workers will proceed as planned in January 2025. The department is seeking feedback from employers, employee representatives, and other stakeholders on the proposed roadmap for MAR increases, with submissions accepted until January 10, 2025.
enterprise.gov.ie
DEC/2024 – salary threshold increase for healthcare assistants / carers / home carers confirmed to 30k a year for 39 hours a week.
In December 2024, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment announced a deferral of the planned increases to the Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) for employment permits that were scheduled for January 2025, pending the outcome of a comprehensive review. This decision was made in recognition of the increased costs of doing business and aims to ensure that future MAR adjustments provide stability for both employers and permit holders. However, the previously deferred increase to €30,000 for Health Care Assistants, Home Carers, and Care Workers will proceed as planned in January 2025. The department is seeking feedback from employers, employee representatives, and other stakeholders on the proposed roadmap for MAR increases, with submissions accepted until January 10, 2025.
enterprise.gov.ie
NOV/2024 – Quota for meat processing operative exhausted
As of January 13, 2025, the quota for General Employment Permits for Vehicle Body Builders and Repairers has been filled, and no new applications for these positions will be accepted. Similarly, as of January 8, 2025, the quota for Transport and Distribution Clerks has also been reached, and further applications are not being accepted. Additionally, effective January 17, 2025, the minimum annual remuneration for Health Care Assistants, Home Carers, and Care Workers will increase from €27,000 to €30,000. Employers submitting applications for these roles on or after this date must ensure that the Labour Market Needs Test reflects the updated salary threshold.
enterprise.gov.ie
NOV/2024 – Quota for car mechanic extended
As of January 13, 2025, the quota for General Employment Permits for Vehicle Body Builders and Repairers has been filled, and no new applications for these positions will be accepted. Similarly, as of January 8, 2025, the quota for Transport and Distribution Clerks has also been reached, and further applications are not being accepted. Additionally, effective January 17, 2025, the minimum annual remuneration for Health Care Assistants, Home Carers, and Care Workers will increase from €27,000 to €30,000. Employers submitting applications for these roles on or after this date must ensure that the Labour Market Needs Test reflects the updated salary threshold.
enterprise.gov.ie
SEP/2024 – No need for newspaper as part of Market Test
The Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) is an Irish government policy designed to prioritize employment opportunities for Irish and other European Economic Area (EEA) nationals. Before issuing a General Employment Permit or Contract for Services Employment Permit to a non-EEA national, employers must demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to recruit from within the EEA. According to the Employment Permits Act 2024, employers are required to advertise the vacancy on the Department of Social Protection Employment Services/EURES employment network for at least 28 consecutive days, as well as on an additional online platform for the same duration. These advertisements must include details such as the job description, employer’s name, minimum annual remuneration, employment location(s), and working hours. This process ensures compliance with the EU’s Community Preference principles.. Find out more by clicking this link.
SEP/2024 – Change of Employer after 9 months and simplified process
From 2 September 2024, GEP permit holders can change to another employer after 9 months have passed (previously 12 months) since you started your first employment. You don’t have to apply for a new permit, but you have to move within the profession. For example, a meat processing operative can move to another meat processing role. There is no requirement to carry out a Labour Market Needs Test (see below) before a General Employment Permit holder applies to change employer.
The following conditions apply:
You must start employment with your new employer within 1 month of the new permit being issued.
As the permit holder, you can make a maximum of 3 applications for a change of employer.
A new contract of employment signed by both you and your new employer must be submitted.
Find out more by clicking this link.
SEP/2024 – Possible to be promoted without the need to apply for a new work permit
The Employment Permits Act 2024 introduces a provision allowing holders of General Employment Permits (GEP) and Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEP) in Ireland to change employers after nine months of commencing their first employment without needing a new permit. This change is restricted to roles within the same occupation or classification as specified in the original permit. GEP holders can move to a new employer within the same specific role, while CSEP holders have broader flexibility to switch within related roles due to high demand in the labor market. The permit must be valid for at least two more months at the time of application, and the permit holder must start the new employment within one month of the permit’s reissuance. A maximum of three such changes is permitted. Required documents include a new contract of employment and recent Revenue Commissioner statements from the new employer.
enterprise.gov.ie
SEP/2024 – Startups with only one employee that has a work permit are now allowed to expand
The Contract for Services Employment Permit is designed for situations where a foreign company (Contractor) has secured a contract to provide services to an Irish entity (Relevant Person) and needs to transfer non-EEA employees to Ireland to fulfill that contract. This permit applies to direct contracts between the foreign contractor and the Irish entity, excluding subcontracting scenarios. Initially, permits can be granted for up to 24 months and may be extended to a maximum of five years. Applicants must have been employed by the contractor for at least six months prior to the transfer. The permit is limited to positions essential for the service of the contract and excludes occupations listed on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits. Upon completion of the contract or expiration of the permit, the employee is required to leave the State. After holding this permit for one year, individuals may apply for other types of employment permits, such as the Critical Skills or General Employment Permit, subject to standard eligibility criteria.
enterprise.gov.ie
SEP/2024 – Seasonal Employment Permit under trial
The Employment Permits Act 2024, effective from September 2, 2024, introduces significant reforms to Ireland’s employment permit system. Key changes include the removal of the requirement for employers to advertise job vacancies in print media as part of the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT); now, advertisements can be placed on one or more online platforms, including the Department of Social Protection’s JobsIreland and EURES websites. Additionally, the Act allows holders of General Employment Permits (GEP) and Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEP) to change employers after nine months of employment in the State without needing a new permit, provided the new role falls within the same occupation or classification as the original permit. This change aims to offer greater flexibility to permit holders while ensuring the protection of the domestic and EEA labor markets.
enterprise.gov.ie
