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Ireland’s Employment Permits Act 2024 is approved and in effect now

Key Points

  • The new act provides options for the issuance of new employment permits to certain foreign nationals such as family members and seasonal workers.
  • It prohibits the employment of foreign nationals without the necessary permits.
  • The bill repeals the Employment Permits Act 2003 and 2006. It is also aimed to streamline and modernize the employment permit system.

Ireland’s Employment Permits Act 2024 was finally approved on 25 June and is in effect now. The new law aims to streamline and modernize the employment permit system. This provides for the issuance of employment permits to certain foreign nationals, allowing them to work in the country and imposing restrictions and conditions on these permits.

The act also prohibits the employment of foreign nationals without the necessary permits, enforces compliance through penalties, and allows for civil proceedings to compensate foreign nationals for work done under specific conditions.

The bill repeals the Employment Permits Act 2003 and 2006, makes consequential amendments to other enactments, and grants the Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment the authority to impose additional restrictions and conditions through regulations.

Overview of the basic changes

ChangesDetails
Seasonal Employment PermitA new category for non-European Economic Area nationals’ seasonal employment, limited to specific employers with conditions, starting with a pilot scheme in 2025.
Revision of Labor Market TestingEmployers must advertise positions on two online platforms, including EURES (JobsIreland.ie).
Changes in EmployerGeneral or critical skills employment permit holders can apply to change their employer after nine months.
Source: oireachtas

Work permissions for the partners of certain employment permit holders

Ireland allows work permission to the partners of certain employment permit holders. The eligible spouses and partners will have the work permission automatically without applying for a separate permit if the main applicant has the following types of work visas:

  • General employment permit (GEP);
  • Intra-company transferee Irish employment permit (ICT);
  • Critical Skills employment permit (CSEP); and
  • Researcher visa.

Further updates about these changes can be accessed here from our 26 May article.