The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland is set to launch ‘Employment Permits Online,’ a new cloud-based employment permits system, on Monday, 28 April 2025. This system aims to transform the way permits are submitted, processed, and issued, providing a more efficient and responsive experience for employers and employees.​

To facilitate the transition, the current EPOS website will be taken offline from 6pm on Thursday, 17 April 2025, for five business days. During this period, no employment permit applications can be submitted. It’s important to note that all completed draft employment permit applications must be submitted before the EPOS system is taken offline. Draft applications not submitted before this time will not be transferred to Employment Permits Online. Only fully completed and submitted applications will be carried over for processing.​

The new system will introduce a portal space with separate and individual accounts for employers, employees, and agents, making it easier to get up-to-date information on the status of applications. It will also provide individual users with more ownership over the management of their accounts.​

Users will be required to set up a portal account, confirming an email address and password, and verifying these via a secure Multi-Factor Authentication process. Employers will also need to provide key additional documents, such as Revenue and CRO details.​

These changes are part of an ongoing effort to modernize and streamline the employment permits process in Ireland, aligning with current labor market needs.​

For more details, please visit: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/latest-updates/new-eps/new-employment-permits-system.html

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland is implementing a new cloud-based employment permits system.

This system aims to transform the way permits are requested, processed, and issued, providing a more efficient and responsive experience for employers and employees. The new system is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2025.

To facilitate the transition, the current system will be temporarily unavailable before the launch, during which no new applications can be submitted. More details on this transition will be provided soon.

Additionally, the Department is developing video guides, user manuals, and a FAQ section to assist with adaptation to the new system.

These changes are part of an ongoing effort to modernize and streamline the employment permits process in Ireland, aligning with the current labor market needs.

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The employment permit quota for the role of Meat Deboner has now been completely filled. This means that no additional permits will be issued under the current quota, and any applications that have already been submitted but are still awaiting processing will be rejected. Employers and applicants should take this into account when planning their hiring strategies and exploring alternative options.

In light of this, no new applications for Meat Deboner employment permits should be submitted at this time. Any further updates regarding potential changes to quotas or new allocations will be communicated as they become available. It is crucial for those affected to stay informed and monitor official announcements for any future opportunities.

This information was provided to MWeds via email after we directly questioned DETE about the status of the quota on 19th March 2025.

This update was provided via email by DETE on 19th March 2025.

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The Employment Permits (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2025, Statutory Instrument No. 64/2025 came into force 10 March 2025

To further support the planning system, the role of Town Planning Officer has now been made added to the Critical Skills Occupations List. This means that this role, listed under code 2432 on the Standard Occupational Classification list is now eligible for a Critical Skills Employment Permit.  In order to assist applicants applying for a Critical Skills role the Employment Permits Unit has published a dedicated Checklist – Critical Skills Employment Permit Checklist.

 In addition, a quota extension of a further 1,000 General Employment Permits for the role of Care Worker and Home Carer has been introduced. 

 See press release for full details: Minister Burke announces new measures to support home care and planning sectors – DETE

enterprise.gov.ie

The Employment Permits (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2023, Statutory Instrument No. 680/2023, set a maximum quota of 200 General Employment Permits for HGV/Bus Mechanics.  This quota has now been filled.  Applications submitted and awaiting processing will now be rejected. No new applications for HGV/Bus Mechanics should be submitted.

enterprise.gov.ie

The quotas for General Employment Permits for Vehicle Paint Technicians and Vehicle Body Builders and Repairers in Ireland have been fully filled. As per the Employment Permits (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2023 (Statutory Instrument No. 680/2023), both categories had a maximum limit of 50 permits. Any pending applications will now be rejected, and no new applications should be submitted.

enterprise.gov.ie

Mussum Ipsum, cacilds vidis litro abertis. Vehicula non. Ut sed ex eros. Vivamus sit amet nibh non tellus tristique interdum. Quem num gosta di mim que vai caçá sua turmis! As of January 13, 2025, the quota of 50 General Employment Permits for Vehicle Body Builders and Repairers, established by the Employment Permits (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2023 (Statutory Instrument No. 680/2023), has been filled. Consequently, any pending applications will be rejected, and no new applications for these positions should be submitted.

enterprise.gov.ie

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

The upcoming Irish citizenship ceremonies are scheduled for Thursday, February 13, and Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Convention Centre Dublin. Invitations will be issued in due course; please refrain from contacting the authorities regarding invitations at this time. Candidates are required to present identity documents, such as a valid passport, for verification purposes on the day of the ceremony. If a valid passport is unavailable, please bring an alternative form of identification. During the ceremony, candidates will take an oath of fidelity to the nation. Citizenship certificates will be mailed later via registered post.

irishimmigration.ie

Effective January 13, 2025, the responsibility for first-time registration of Irish immigration residence permissions will transfer from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of the Department of Justice. From that date, first-time in-person registrations for applicants residing in all counties will be conducted at the Registration Office, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.

irishimmigration.ie

To assist non-EEA nationals legally residing in Ireland who need to renew their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) and plan to travel internationally during the Christmas period, the Minister for Justice has issued a Travel Confirmation Notice. This notice allows individuals to travel using their recently expired IRP card, provided they submitted a renewal application before the card’s expiration. This arrangement is valid from December 2, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Travelers should carry the expired IRP card, the Travel Confirmation Notice, and proof of their renewal application when traveling. Please note that this initiative applies only to travel during the specified period and does not extend beyond January 31, 2025.

irishimmigration.ie

Effective November 4, 2024, all applicants nationwide are required to submit online renewals of their immigration permissions through the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) online renewal portal. This change eliminates the need for in-person visits to the Burgh Quay Registration Office, unless deemed necessary. Applications for online renewal from all counties nationwide can be submitted now.

irishimmigration.ie

On October 24, 2024, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee announced the launch of the Digital Contact Centre (DCC), an online self-service portal designed to enhance the immigration process in Ireland. The DCC enables individuals to book and modify first-time registration appointments, check the status of their applications, and, over time, submit queries related to visas, registration, residence permissions, travel documents, EU treaty rights, and citizenship applications. This initiative aims to modernize the immigration system, making it more transparent and accessible to the public. Minister McEntee emphasized that the DCC represents a significant step in the Department’s modernization program, focusing on customer-centric services.

irishimmigration.ie