The significant changes to employment permits in Ireland have already come into effect as this September 2024. These changes are part of the Employment Permits Act 2024 and are aimed to streamline the process for both employers and workers. One of the key changes is the introduction of a new employment permit for seasonal workers. This should make it easier for businesses to hire temporary staff during busy periods, addressing critical labor shortages in certain industries.

Also, the Act will simplify the labor market testing process. The new digitized system will reduce paperwork and speed up recruitment times, making it easier for employers to prove that no suitable local candidates are available before hiring non-EU workers. There are also changes to the “change of employer” rules, allowing employees to switch employers more easily without automatically cancelling their existing permits. However, there are new timeframes and conditions to meet when making these changes.

As part of the reforms, minimum salary thresholds have been updated, and employers must adhere to new notification obligations. These changes are designed to attract talent, but they also come with increased compliance requirements. Employers will need to be diligent in meeting these new standards to avoid penalties.

In summary, while these reforms are expected to help employers attract seasonal and foreign workers, the focus on compliance means that companies need to stay informed and prepared for the administrative aspects of these new rules.

For more information about Ireland employment visas, please contact us.