Increase in Working Family Payment to Impact Family Reunification Rules for Low-Paid Workers

On Oct 4, 2024

Dublin: The Irish government has announced an increase in the tax-free weekly Working Family Payment (WFP) for low-paid employees, alongside an adjustment to the income threshold for eligibility. As wages and minimum wage levels rise, the income limits for this assistance scheme will also increase. This change is expected to significantly affect the family reunification provisions for non-EU workers with lower incomes.

Under Ireland’s family reunification policy, non-EU workers can bring their spouse or children to the country only if their income is sufficient to ensure they do not rely on government assistance. Currently, a weekly income of €645 is required to bring a child to Ireland. However, with the increase in the Working Family Payment, this threshold will rise to €705 per week from January 2025 for those holding general work permits. The threshold will further increase based on the number of children.

It is important to note that this change will not apply to holders of critical employment permits. While healthcare assistants and general employment permit holders will be impacted by these new family reunification income requirements, there is some reassurance in the government’s commitment to raising salaries. By January 2025, healthcare assistants are expected to receive higher wages, alleviating some of the challenges posed by the new thresholds.

Ireland’s Minister for Justice has indicated that revisions to the family reunification policy are expected in the coming months, which may bring further relief to healthcare assistants and general employment permit holders. However, there is speculation that a general election, initially scheduled for April 2025, may be moved forward to November 2024. If an early election is called, it could delay the implementation of new policy announcements.