🇮🇪 Work & skilled workers

The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has launched a Call for Proposals, offering up to €2 million in funding for projects aimed at enhancing the English language skills of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) in Ireland. This funding is available under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2021-2027 National Programme, which is jointly funded by the European Union and the Government of Ireland. Organisations can apply for grants of at least €300,000 for projects lasting one to two years, with AMIF funding up to 75% of eligible costs. The minimum project budget is €400,000. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, language training for various proficiency levels, workplace language training, bridging courses to address qualification gaps, English language acquisition programmes for parents of school children, and certified ESOL accreditation aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The funding will be delivered on a Simplified Cost Option (SCO) basis, where direct staff costs are eligible, and a flat rate of 40% of total staff costs covers all other project expenses such as materials, equipment, room hire, management costs, and overheads. Applications must be submitted via email to AMIF@justice.ie by 12 noon on Friday, 30 October 2026. The call is open to public, private, and voluntary bodies. Third Country Nationals, including International Protection applicants, Beneficiaries of International Protection, and Beneficiaries entitled to Temporary Protection (such as individuals fleeing conflict in Ukraine), are eligible to participate in AMIF-funded projects.

Immigration permissions for all people who are Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in Ireland have been extended until 4 March 2027. This applies to those with a Temporary Protection Certificate (yellow paper) valid until 4 March 2026. These individuals do not need to apply for a new Temporary Protection Certificate; expired certificates may be used as proof of entitlement to temporary protection and related state services until 4 March 2027. However, they will need to renew their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.

With effect from 15 June 2026, nationals of Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia, including holders of diplomatic and service passports, must obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. A transit visa will also be required if intending to transit through Ireland en route to another destination.

A new phased approach to increasing Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) salary thresholds for employment permits has been published, introducing gradual increases through to 2030. From 1 March 2026, the minimum salary for General Employment Permits will rise to €36,605, for Critical Skills Employment Permits to €40,904, and for meat processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants, and home carers to €32,691. Sub-standard MAR thresholds for sectors like healthcare and agri-food will be phased out by 2030. Lower starting thresholds will apply for recent graduates. Critical skills roles in the public service and community/voluntary organisations linked to public sector pay agreements will be exempt from CSEP MAR thresholds.

From 1 March 2026: The standard CSEP MAR increased to €40,904/year. Qualifying recent graduates can use a lower threshold of €36,848/year. Certain public-sector positions covered by a national pay agreement are exempt from the CSEP MAR. The higher remuneration route remains available at €68,911/year for qualifying occupations. The increase applies to the minimum annual remuneration, meaning the salary must be sufficient to meet the required annual amount. Ireland also specifies how remuneration is calculated, including eligible health-insurance payments.

Current rules for this policy, plus every recorded change.

Current rules for this policy, plus every recorded change.

Current rules for this policy, plus every recorded change.