Occupations under review, employers invited to submit comments

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Ireland’s Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation is reviewing the lists of occupations that are eligible to be filled by foreign workers. The department is accepting comments and recommendations from employers and other stakeholders on the occupations that should be included or removed from the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List (HSEOL) and the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL).

What does the change mean? Employers have until Oct. 27 to submit recommendations on the occupations that should be available to foreign employees and assignees.

• Implementation time frame: Between now and Oct. 27.
• Visas/permits affected: General employment permits.
• Who is affected: Irish companies hiring and recruiting foreign employees.
• Next steps: Information on how to submit recommendations is available on this Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation site.

Background: Ireland’s employment permit scheme is governed largely by the occupations listed on the HSEOL and the ICEL. Employment permits can be obtained for occupations that are not on either list, but Critical Skills Employment Permits are only available to foreign nationals seeking work in occupations on the HSEOL. The current HSEOL and ICEL lists are available on the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation website.

BAL Analysis: The HSEOL and the ICEL play a key role in determining the occupations that foreign workers may fill. By submitting recommendations, employers have an opportunity to be heard on their experience with labor shortages and skills needs in certain occupational classifications. The lists are reviewed on a biannual basis and those who wish to submit recommendations this round should do so before the Oct. 27 deadline.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.

Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.