Dublin: Delays in visa processing are significantly impacting the arrival of foreign construction workers to Ireland, as well as family reunification efforts. Despite the country’s urgent need for skilled labour in the construction sector, non-EU workers — particularly those from countries like South Africa — are reportedly turning to alternative destinations where visa procedures are more efficient.
The issue extends beyond construction, with similar delays being reported in visa applications for healthcare professionals. In many cases, applicants are facing wait times of up to four months before receiving a response, leading to project slowdowns and disruptions in essential services.
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has called for immediate government intervention to accelerate the visa process. The federation highlighted serious coordination issues between government departments, particularly the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. While the Department of Enterprise had launched recruitment drives abroad to attract skilled workers, the Department of Foreign Affairs reportedly lacked awareness of these initiatives, limiting their effectiveness due to a lack of aligned support.
Despite these challenges, the number of construction work permits issued in early 2025 has increased. According to official figures, 577 construction work permits were granted in the first quarter of 2025 — more than double the 262 permits issued during the same period in 2024. Over the course of 2024, 1,523 construction work permits were issued, contributing to a total of approximately 39,000 work permits granted across all sectors.
The Labour Force Survey indicates that Ireland currently employs 171,000 foreign workers in the construction industry. However, experts in the sector caution that tens of thousands more workers will be required to meet the government’s ambitious Housing for All targets by 2030.
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