Occupations lists to be reviewed, employers invited to submit comments

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Ireland’s Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will be reviewing the lists of occupations eligible to be filled by foreign workers, and will be 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? BAL will be assisting clients in submitting recommendations on the roles and occupations that should be available to foreign employees and assignees.

• Implementation time frame: Employers may submit recommendations until April 12.
• Visas/permits affected: General Employment Permits.
• Who is affected: Irish companies hiring and recruiting foreign employees.
• Business impact: As the HSEOL and the ICEL dictate the occupations which foreign workers may fill, employers have an opportunity to be heard on their experience with labor shortages and skills needs in certain occupational classifications.
• Next steps: Employers interested in submitting comments and recommendations should contact their BAL representative.   

Background: The DJEI is conducting a bi-annual review of the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List and the Ineligible Categories of Employment List.

As part of the review, the DJEI’s economic migration policy unit is inviting employers and other stakeholders to submit comments regarding skills deficits or surpluses relating to occupations in their sectors. A prescribed form and email addresses for submissions are available on the Call for Submissions webpage, as well as the occupations currently listed on the HSEOL and ICEL. Comments will be accepted until close of business April 12.

BAL Analysis: BAL will be responding to the consultation and encouraging employers to submit comments either directly or through their BAL team.

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

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