Immigration News - Agricultural workers, Employment-based visas, Global mobility, Work authorization, Europe, Ireland Ireland | More jobs now eligible for employment permits to address labor shortages Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) May 28, 2026 The Ministers of State and Enterprise, Tourism and Employment announced updates to Ireland’s employment permits system to address ongoing labor shortages in construction, healthcare, transportation and agri-food sectors. Key takeaways: The government confirmed 32 changes to jobs eligible for an employment permit: Six roles are recommended to be added to the Critical Skills Occupation List, including agronomist, construction planner and land surveyor. Nine roles are recommended to be removed from the Ineligible Occupations List, making them eligible for General Employment Permits (GEPs), including pharmaceutical technician and dental hygienist. Two roles are recommended to be made eligible for GEPs under newly established quotas and 15 roles are recommended to have their existing GEP quotas renewed. The full report of the government’s review of the occupations list for employment permits can be reviewed here. This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. Copyright © 2026 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.