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Ireland: new ESRI study on non-EEA workers – what it means for jobseekers
A European Migration Network report published by the ESRI on 3 November 2026 shows that employment permits for non-EEA workers have more than doubled since 2021, with strong demand in health, ICT, hospitality and construction. It also points to rights such as changing employer after nine months, and to continuing problems with exploitation and qualification recognition.
What the report found
Research published on 3 November 2026 by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) for European Migration Network (EMN) Ireland says that between 30,000 and 40,000 employment permits were issued or renewed to non-EEA workers in each of the last four years, and that the number has more than doubled since 2021. Health and social care had the largest share of permits in 2025 (26%), followed by information and communication (12%) and accommodation and food services (11%). Construction almost doubled its share to 6%. Indian nationals received 32% of permits, and Brazilian and Philippine nationals 11% each. This is research and statistics, not a change in the law.
More demand for general roles
In 2024, for the first time since 2016, slightly more General Employment Permits than Critical Skills Employment Permits were issued. The ESRI says this shows a growing need for low- and medium-skilled workers. A General Employment Permit is normally only possible for an eligible occupation and after the employer has run a labour market needs test; some occupations have quotas that are already full. A shortage in a sector does not mean that any individual is automatically eligible.
Your rights when changing employer
According to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, holders of a General Employment Permit (GEP) or Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) may apply to change employer after nine months on their first employment permit in Ireland – within the same occupation for a GEP, or within a broader occupation group for a CSEP. A maximum of three changes of employer can be granted, and you must not start work with the new employer until you have received the updated permit. The report also mentions a Reactivation Employment Permit for people who lost their job through redundancy or labour exploitation. At the time of writing, the online Employment Permits Portal is temporarily unavailable, which may affect when applications can be submitted.
Exploitation and qualification recognition
The report says some permit holders, especially in lower-skilled roles, experience mistreatment and labour exploitation, and that many are not aware of the protections available. It suggests better rights awareness and more inspectors at the Workplace Relations Commission. Recognition of non-EU qualifications remains difficult, especially in regulated professions such as doctors, nurses, teachers and engineers, so check recognition requirements before you move.
What is still unclear
The report describes trends and stakeholder views; it does not announce new rules. The statement that non-Irish citizens make up one in five people in employment comes from media reporting (RTÉ, 3 November 2026) and was not found in the ESRI press release we checked. No reopening date for the Employment Permits Portal has been confirmed.
How WorkMarket.eu works
Workers pay no recruitment fees through WorkMarket.eu. Every cross-border move or legal work start needs individual human review: nothing in this article means that you are automatically eligible for a permit or a job in Ireland.