Key Changes in Ireland’s Employment Permits Act 2024

Ireland’s Employment Permits Act 2024 introduces significant reforms to the country’s employment permit system. These changes are designed to increase flexibility, better meet labour market needs, and enhance the rights of permit holders. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for employers and employees.

Updates to the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT)

• New Advertising Rules: Employers are no longer required to advertise job vacancies in print media.
• New Online Platforms: Vacancies must be posted on online platforms accessible to Irish and EEA citizens.
• Existing Platforms Still Required: Employers must continue to post vacancies on Jobs Ireland and EURES, managed by the Department of Social Protection.

Easier Changes for Employment Permit Holders

• Change of Employer: General Employment Permit (GEP) and Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holders can change employers after nine months without needing a new permit.
  • 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: Permit holders can change employers up to three times and must provide a new job contract, starting work immediately with the new employer.
• Reduced Waiting Period: The waiting period to change jobs or employers has been reduced from 12 months to nine months.

Promotions and Internal Transfers

• Easier Promotions: Permit holders can be promoted or transferred within the same company without needing a new employment permit.
• Automatic Cancellation: When a new permit is issued, the existing permit is automatically cancelled.

Expanded Opportunities for Dependents

• Work Rights for Dependents: Dependents of CSEP holders and researchers can work without needing a separate employment permit.

Multi-Site Permits for NCHDs

• New Permit: Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs) can now receive a two-year General Employment Permit, allowing them to work across multiple sites without needing multiple permits.

Simplified Processes and Reduced Bureaucracy

• Amendments to Applications: The Minister can amend permit applications in specific cases, reducing administrative burdens.
• Handling of Incomplete Applications: Incomplete applications can be returned with a refund of the application fee.

Broader Employment Relationships and Business Flexibility

• Expanded Coverage: Employment permits now include subcontracting and employment agency placements.
• 50:50 Rule Waiver: The employee ratio rule has been relaxed to support business growth.

Remuneration and Wage Growth

• Indexed Pay Requirements: Minimum pay for permit holders will now be aligned with changes in mean weekly earnings to reflect wage growth.

New Refusal Reasons and Review Processes

• Additional Grounds for Refusal: New discretionary refusal grounds have been introduced, and the review process will now consider new information or changes in circumstances.

Introduction of the Seasonal Employment Permit (SEP)

• New Short-Term Permit: The SEP allows non-EEA workers to work for up to seven months per year. It is renewable across multiple years and will be available from early 2025.
  • Pre-Approval Required: Employers must obtain pre-approval each year to hire seasonal workers under the SEP scheme.
  • Flexible Transfers: Seasonal workers can transfer to another approved employer or renew their permit with the same employer through a simplified process.

A More Flexible, Transparent, and Fair System

These changes aim to create a more flexible, transparent, and fair employment permit system that meets Ireland’s labour market needs while safeguarding the rights of non-EEA workers.

Stay Updated with Cronin Ireland Relocations

We will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as new implementations occur. Follow us for the latest information on Ireland’s Employment Permits Act 2024. For more detailed information, check out the DETE’s information note on the Employment Permits Act 2024.

Contact Grainne at grainne.convery@croningroup.ie for personalised guidance and support with your employment permit needs.

Let Cronin Ireland Relocations, part of the Cronin Group, simplify your journey through Ireland’s employment permit system.