Verified policy record

Ireland Introduces New Employment Permits and Reviews '50:50 Rule' to Address Skills Shortages

On 28 May 2026, Ireland announced big changes to its employment permit system. These changes will help fix skills and labour shortages. They focus on key areas like construction, healthcare, transport, and food production for farming. These updates add 32 jobs to the Critical Skills Occupations List and the General Employment Permits lists. They also renew quotas for 15 existing jobs. The government has also agreed to start changing the '50:50 Rule'. This rule limits the number of non-United Kingdom (UK) or European Economic Area (EEA) people an employer can hire. This change will especially support the health and social care sector.

Jurisdiction

Ireland

Stage

Effective 28 May 2026

Published

28 May 2026

In force

28 May 2026

Category

Work Permits

Official source

gov.ie — Press releases (immigration)