Ireland Tightens Work Permit Rules with “40% Recruitment Rule”

DUBLIN, June 1, 2024 — Ireland’s Department of Enterprise has introduced a new “40% rule” requiring employers to advertise non-EU roles domestically for at least four weeks before applying for General Work Permits. Critical Skills Permit roles (tech, healthcare, engineering) remain exempt.

Key Details:

• Employers must submit a Labour Market Needs Test report to prove no suitable Irish/EEA candidates were found.

• Quote: “This protects local workers while addressing genuine skill gaps,” said Tánaiste Micheál Martin.

  
  

Impact:

• Recruitment timelines for hospitality and retail roles could stretch to 12–16 weeks.

• Data Point: 63% of General Work Permits in 2023 were for chefs and hospitality staff (CSO Ireland).

  
  

Expert Insight:“Non-EU jobseekers should prioritize Critical Skills roles to avoid delays,” advises Siobhan O’Reilly, immigration lawyer at ByrneWallace.

Full Critical Skills List: DJEI Ireland