Key Takeaways

·      Ireland reported shortages in 20 occupations, with some of them related to healthcare, IT, engineering, manufacturing, and construction.

·      Ireland emerged as one of the EU countries with the highest dependency on foreign-trained doctors and nurses.

·      Authorities issued 19,303 work permits during the first half of 2024, which is 20.5 percent more than in the same period in 2023.

Ireland is facing labour shortages in 20 occupations, as revealed by the 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses.

Healthcare, IT, engineering, manufacturing, construction, and transportation were some of the affected sectors.

This implies that foreigners who belong to any of the most in-demand roles and wish to move to Ireland may have a higher chance of securing an Irish work visa.

According to the latest EURES report, Ireland is facing labour shortages in the following occupations:

1.     Heavy truck and lorry drivers

2.     Bus and tram drivers

3.     Metal working machine tool setters and operators

4.     Welders and flame cutters

5.     Plumbers and pipe fitters

6.     Carpenters and joiners

7.     Home-based personal care workers

8.     Health care assistants

9.     Chefs

10.  Chemical and physical science technicians

11.  Software developers

12.  Systems analysts

13.  Health professionals not elsewhere classified

14.  Nursing professionals

15.  Generalist medical practitioners

16.  Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified

17.  Mechanical engineers

18.  Civil engineers

19.  Chemists

20.  Information and communications technology service managers

Ireland Relies on Foreign Doctors & Nurses, Report Shows

In addition to the above-mentioned roles, Ireland particularly needs workers in healthcare roles. As per the report, Ireland emerged as one of the EU countries with the highest reliance on foreign-trained doctors and nurses.

“Among the EURES countries, Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland show the highest dependency on foreign-trained doctors, and Ireland, Switzerland, and Austria show the highest dependency on foreign-trained nurses.”

–       2023 EURES Report on Shortages and Surpluses

On the other hand, Ireland did not report any surplus occupations, as per the above-mentioned report.

Ireland Issued 20% More Work Permits in 1st Half of 2024

Ireland’s reliance on foreign workers is also reflected in the surge in work permit issuance.

According to the Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, 19,303 work permits were granted in the first half of 2024, representing a 20.5 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Sectors with the highest number of work permits issued were healthcare (6809), information and technology (3282), agriculture, forestry and fishing (1859), and accommodation and food services (1458).