Ireland Immigration Trends: What Employers Need to Know
As Ireland continues to grow as a hub for international talent, the landscape of immigration and employment continues to evolve.
Our 2024 Envoy Global EMEA Immigration Trends Report provides insights into key trends shaping employers’ views of and interactions with Ireland’s corporate immigration policies and employment practices.
Here’s a closer look at the current trends and what they mean for businesses operating in Ireland.
Positive Views on Employment Permit and Visa Processing Times
Irish employers largely view the current employment permit and visa processing times positively. Significantly, 80% of respondents expressed approval of the speed and efficiency with which these permits and visas are processed. This positive sentiment suggests that Ireland’s immigration system is well-aligned with the needs of businesses looking to hire foreign talent quickly and efficiently.
Increasing Demand for Foreign Talent
Most employers expect to increase the number of foreign nationals they hire. In fact, 81% of respondents indicated that they anticipate bringing more foreign workers into their organizations over the next two to three years. This trend underscores Ireland’s reliance on global talent to fill skill gaps and drive innovation.
Impact of New Salary Threshold Requirements
Employers are re-evaluating their recruitment strategies due to the introduction of new salary threshold requirements. Sixty-six percent of respondents said they anticipate reviewing their strategies to accommodate these changes, which suggests that businesses are preparing to adapt to a more competitive hiring environment.
While some employers (22%) do not foresee changes in their strategies due to the new salary thresholds and 13% noted that the work permission routes they use will not be impacted, most are gearing up for adjustments. This reflects a proactive approach to navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
Support for Expanded Work Rights for Students and Dependents
Ireland employers advocate for expanded work rights for foreign national students and dependents. A notable 64% of employers believe that students under Stamp 2 permissions should be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during a school term, highlighting a desire for greater flexibility in hiring practices.
Additionally, employers support granting work rights to spouses and dependents of Intra-Corporate Transfer permit holders. As of 16 May 2024, the right to work for spouses and dependents was expanded. This expansion aligned with the preferences of many employers, who saw it as a positive step towards supporting family unification and enhancing the appeal of Ireland as a destination for international talent.
Envoy Global’s Ireland Immigration Briefing with Aaron Flynn, provides expert insights into the latest immigration policies and updates in Ireland! Check out the briefing for insider analysis of Ireland’s immigration landscape.
Expanding the Eligible Job List and Positive Changes to Stamp 4 Process
Significant employer support exists to expand the list of eligible jobs under the employment permit list. In fact, sixty-nine percent of employers favor this expansion. This suggests employers are eager to see more sectors included, which could enhance Ireland’s attractiveness to a broader range of skilled professionals.
In November 2023, Ireland transitioned the submission process for Stamp 4 support letters from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) to the Department of Justice (Immigration Service Delivery). Sixty-seven percent of employers view this change positively and believe it improves the process for Critical Skills Employment Permit holders.
The Necessity of New Salary Thresholds
Eighty percent of employers support the new salary threshold for the Critical Skills Employment Permit, citing several reasons:
- Competitive Salaries: Employers believe higher salaries create strategic advantages by attracting top talent (8%).
- Attracting Talent: Maintaining competitive salaries and benefits is crucial for drawing in highly skilled employees (21%).
- Ensuring Quality: Higher salary thresholds help hire only highly skilled and knowledgeable employees (16%).
- Compliance: Adhering to regulations and standards is essential for maintaining Ireland’s reputation as a fair and compliant employer (11%).
Navigate Irish Corporate Immigration with Envoy Global
Envoy Global understands the complexities of navigating Ireland’s evolving immigration landscape. We provide teams with expert guidance and support to ensure compliance and optimize talent acquisition strategies.
Envoy Global is here to help businesses thrive in a competitive global market, from understanding the implications of new salary thresholds to leveraging expanded work rights.
For more insights, download the full 2024 EMEA Immigration Trends Report!
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at Corporate Immigration Partners, P.C., or another qualified professional of your choosing. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult your Envoy representative, or another qualified representative of your choosing.
