A law that modernises the rules governing employment permits in Ireland will come into effect next Monday (2 September).

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke said that the new measures would allow for “a more modern, flexible” system.

The Employment Permits Act 2024 applies to non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals who wish to take up eligible employment and residence in the State.

The measures are aimed at allowing the system to respond more quickly to changes in the labour market and the needs of businesses.

Seasonal employment

The act will also enable sub-contractors registered in Ireland to access the employment-permit system.

It will introduce a short-term Seasonal Employment Permit to support the seasonal needs of certain sectors. There will be a pilot scheme for the horticulture sector in 2025.

The legislation will also provide for the transfer of an employment permit to a new employer after a certain period of time – a measure that the department says will improve working conditions and give workers better opportunities.

Quotas extended

“The improvements in the new act will allow for a more modern, flexible employment-permits system, as well as ensuring employee rights are maintained,” said Minister Burke.

The regulations for the new law, signed today (29 August), also extend employment-permit quotas for two roles:

• A new quota of 500 for the home-care sector, and
• 250 permits for line-workers to help relieve the pressure on ESB Networks’ overhead-line framework contractors.