March 13th, 2024 at 02:38 pm

Ireland Introduces Critical Skills Program to Attract Foreign Talent

To address the growing labor shortfall, Ireland launched the Critical Skills Employment Permit program, which aims to draw in talented people from around the world. Nairametrics discovered that this program differs from standard work permits in that its goal is to draw and retain highly qualified professionals in fields that are in dire need of them.

The goal of the Critical Skill Employment Permit is to process applications from individuals whose abilities are essential to filling gaps in the Irish labor market. It is intended for skilled workers who are qualified in professions where there is a skills shortage in Ireland.

Applicants can consult The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s (DETE) Critical Skills Occupation List to ascertain which professions are required. In addition, the initiative waives language competency requirements, expedites the work visa application procedure, and provides accommodations for the families of workers relocating to Ireland.

About the Program

With this program, you can get a work visa right away without having to take the IELTS exam. Furthermore, Ireland offers a kind and family-friendly environment that makes it easy for international workers and their families to assimilate and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the country.

The program offers several advantages, including:

• Fast-tracked work permit processing is provided under this program for immediate work permits.
• No Language Test Required: The applicant’s abilities take precedence, and there are no language competency tests that prevent them from working in Ireland.
• Greetings to Families: The program makes it simple to relocate with family members by providing readily available spouse work permits.
• Exempt from Labor Market Testing: The Critical Skills Employment Permit simplifies the application procedure by eliminating the requirement for a labor market effect assessment.

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is attractive for several reasons:

• A labor market needs test is not necessary because the skills are considered to be in low supply.
• Once their dependents, partners, or spouses are residents of the State, permit holders may apply for immediate family reunification through the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service of the Department of Justice and Equality. Additionally, they may apply for a dependent, partner, or spouse employment permit, which is currently free of charge, from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
• After the Critical Skills Employment Permit’s tenure has passed, holders may apply to the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service for authorization to live and work without needing an employment permit.

Criteria for Eligibility

When evaluating applications for Critical Skills Employment Permits, the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment looks at several factors, such as a job offer from a legitimate employer who is based in Ireland, trade there, and is registered with the Revenue Commissioners and, if relevant, the Companies Registration Office/Register of Friendly Societies.

A Critical Skills Employment Permit’s eligibility is mostly based on the kind of job and the anticipated salary level.

The following are eligible:

• A relevant degree qualification or higher is necessary for employment with a minimum annual income of €38,000 for a limited number of strategically significant occupations listed in the Critical Skills Employment List.
• To be registered to practice as a nurse or midwife in the State, a nurse or midwife must possess a third-level degree or diploma that has been approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
• All jobs with a minimum yearly salary of more than €64,000, excluding those that are against the public interest or on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits. A non-EEA national must have the required amount of experience even if they do not hold a degree or higher.
• The potential employer must have extended a two-year job offer to the candidate about the relevant occupation.

Application Process

Any employment permit application must be submitted at least 12 weeks before the anticipated start date of employment.

Through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS), an online application for a Critical Skills Employment Permit can be submitted. The online system offers a User Guide (PDF document) that walks the applicant through the procedure and lists the documentation needed for each kind of job permit.

To help with the process, you can review the Critical Skills Employment Permit Checklist before beginning your application.