Latest figures from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) highlight that more than 3,500 work permits were granted for the agri-sector over the last 12 months.
According to DETE a total of 38,189 work permits were issued in 2024 which represents an increase of 24% on 2023.
In order to work in Ireland a non-European Economic Area (EEA) national – the EEA includes the member states of the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein – unless they are exempted, must hold a valid employment permit.
According to DETE the rising demand for work permits in Ireland “is driven by an increase in economic activity against a backdrop of full employment”.
Minister of State with responsibility for Employment, Emer Higgins, said: “With 2.7 million people in Ireland now at work, many industries are finding it difficult to recruit and retain staff in a tight labour market.
“Hiring from outside of the European Economic Activity helps supplement our workforce in areas of critical skills.”
A number of occupations in the agri-food and horticultural sectors qualify for General Employment Permits (GEPs) under a quota system and these include:
- 1,000 GEPs for meat processing operatives;
- 350 GEPs for butcher/boners;
- 350 GEPs for dairy farm assistants;
- 1,000 GEPs for horticultural workers.
According to DETE these roles require a standard Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) to be carried out in line with minimum salary thresholds, this sets out a salary in the region of €30,000 for a meat processing operative and horticulture worker and €34,000 for butcher/boner.
Work permits
Minister Higgins said that more than 12,000 of the 38,189 permits issued in 2024 were for people working in the health sector including for the key roles of nurses and health care assistants.
“These workers are vital to our health care service and they provide essential care to people at their time of need.
“Over 6,500 work permits were granted for professionals working in the ICT sector, a thriving sector that supports employment opportunities and spin off trade.
“In excess of 3,500 permits were granted for the agri-sector and almost 3,000 chefs received work permits this year,” she added.
In terms of nationalities, India (13,147), Brazil (4,458), Philippines (3,944), China (1,903) and Pakistan (1,690) were the top five nationalities issued with employment permits over the last 12 months.