Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, have announced measures to enhance Ireland’s competitiveness in attracting skilled workers. Key actions include enabling all eligible spouses and partners of employment permit holders to work without needing a separate permit, and the introduction of a single permit for both work and residence. Both measures are expected to enhance Ireland’s ability to compete internationally to attract talent, address skills shortages and promote economic growth.  

All EU Member States, except Ireland and Denmark, already operate a single permit for employment and residence. The current process in Ireland requires separate applications and greater bureaucracy, which risks putting the country at a competitive disadvantage in attracting skills and talent. By opting into the Single Permit Directive, the Government will reduce the cost and complexity of the current system and ensure that the process responds effectively and quickly to meet current skills needs.

More information can be found here.