IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Ireland is poised to make changes to minimum salary and labor market testing requirements in the country’s Employment Permits system.

What does the change mean? Beginning Jan. 1, critical skills minimum remuneration thresholds will increase to €32,000 per year for occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List and €64,000 per year for all roles not on the ineligible list where the foreign national has relevant experience. The minimum duration of the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) for General Employment Permits and Contract for Services Employment Permits will increase from two to four weeks.

  • Implementation time frame: Jan. 1, 2020.
  • Visas/permits affected: Critical Skills Employment Permits, General Employment Permits and Contract for Services Employment Permits.
  • Who is affected: Employers and non-EU/EEA nationals applying for Employment Permits in the affected categories.
  • Impact on processing times: The change to the LMNT duration will increase end-to-end processing times for General Employment Permits and Contract for Services Employment Permits.
  • Business impact: Companies sponsoring non-EU/EEA workers on Critical Skills Employment Permits may need to make slight adjustments to their budgets because of the higher salary threshold.

Additional information: The changes were announced earlier this year and are in line with recommendations from the Review of Economic Migration Policy. Critical Skills Employment Permit applications filed between now and Dec. 31 will be subject to the current salary thresholds (€30,000 and €60,000), while those submitted on or after Jan. 1 will be subject to the new thresholds. The minimum LMNT advertising period will also increase on Jan. 1 from two weeks to four weeks. Vacancies must be advertised on the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection/Employment Services/EURES website.

Analysis & Comments: Employers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the changes and adjust plans as necessary. Some employers may need to make slight adjustments to their budgets or hiring time lines for applications that will be submitted on or after Jan. 1.

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