Discover key changes introduced by Ireland’s Employment Permits Act 2024. The Act introduces significant changes to Ireland’s employment permit system. These reforms aim to enhance flexibility, better respond to labor market needs, and improve the rights of permit holders. Below is a breakdown of the key changes. Note that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has not yet released commencement orders or application forms for the new permit types and categories. We are actively monitoring these updates as they become available. Read below for key changes in Ireland’s Employment Permits Act 2024
Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT).
New Advertising Rules
- Employers are no longer required to advertise vacancies in print media.
New Online Platforms
- Vacancies must now be posted on online platforms accessible to Irish/EEA citizens.
Existing Platforms Still Required
- Employers must continue to post vacancies on Jobs Ireland and EURES, which are managed by the Department of Social Protection.
Easier Change of Employer for CSEP and GEP Holders.
Change of Employer Allowed
- General Employment Permit (GEP) and Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holders can switch employers after nine months without needing a new permit.
Flexibility by Permit Type
- GEP Holders: Can move within the same occupation (defined by a 4-digit SOC code).
- CSEP Holders: Can switch to a new employer within a broader employment category (defined by a 3-digit SOC code).
Restrictions Apply
- Permit holders may change employers up to three times and must provide a new job contract and start working with the new employer immediately.
More Flexibility for Changing Employment.
Reduced Waiting Period
- Permit holders may change jobs or employers after nine months, instead of the previous 12-month period.
Promotion and Internal Transfers Made Easier
- Permit holders can now be promoted or transferred within the same company without needing a new employment permit.
Automatic Cancellation of Previous Permits.
Permit Control
- When a new permit is granted, this results in any existing permit is automatically canceled.
New Opportunities for Dependents.
Work Without a Separate Permit
- Dependents of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders and Researchers can now work without needing their own employment permit.
Multi-Site Permits for Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs).
New Permit for NCHDs
- A two-year General Employment Permit is now available for NCHDs, allowing them to work across multiple sites without needing multiple permits.
Simpler Amendment of Applications.
Less Bureaucracy
- The Minister can now amend permit applications in specific cases, thereby reducing administrative burdens.
Quicker Handling of Incomplete Applications.
Improved Application Process
- Incomplete applications can be returned with a refund of the application fee.
Expanded Rules for Agencies and Subcontractors
Broader Employment Relationships
- Employment permits now cover subcontracting and employment agency placements.
Easier Business Expansion with 50:50 Rule Waiver
More Flexibility for Businesses
- The 50:50 employee rule for permit holders has been relaxed to support business growth.
Remuneration Indexed to Wage Growth
Updated Pay Requirements
- Minimum pay for permit holders will now be aligned with changes in mean weekly earnings to match wage growth.
New Refusal Reasons and Review Processes
Expanded Grounds for Refusal
- Additional discretionary refusal grounds are introduced. The review process now considers new information or changes in circumstances.
Introduction of the Seasonal Employment Permit (SEP)
New Short-Term Permit
- A new seasonal permit allows non-EEA workers to work for up to seven months per year. The SEP is renewable across multiple years and will be available from early 2025.
Pre-Approval for Seasonal Employers
- Employers must obtain pre-approval each year to hire seasonal workers under the SEP scheme.
Easier Transfer Between Seasonal Employers
- Seasonal workers can move to another approved employer or renew their permit with the same employer by using a simplified process.
Aiming to result in a more flexible, transparent, and fair employment permit system that meets Ireland’s labor market needs and safe guards the rights of non-EEA workers. We will be posting as implementations happen, follow us to discover key changes in Ireland’s Employment Permits Act 2024.
Check out the DETE’s information note on changes – Employment Permits Act 2024: Information note on key changes »
Visit Actus information on permit types – https://actus.ie/employment-permits/
