Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
212. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications made for general employment permits in 2024, and the number of applications which were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14883/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages in the State required to develop and support enterprise for the benefit of our economy.
The Employment Permits legislation sets out the criteria which must be satisfied in order for an Employment Permit to be issued. The legislation sets out both mandatory and discretionary reasons for refusal of an employment permits (sections 32 and 33 of the EP legislation).
The Employment Permits section has provided a list of the most common reasons for refusal of an employment permit application which are set out below:
• the role applied for is ineligible
• The applicant doesn’t possess the relevant qualifications
• Contract or Documentation issues
• Salary below the minimum threshold
• Immigration Issues
• The Labour Market Needs test has not been carried out correctly
The Employment Permit Section of my Department informs me that in 2024, a total of 26,018 General Employment Permit Applications were received and 19,479 were issued.
