Changes to Irish work-permit system; Indians can now work in more employment sectors in Ireland
DUBLIN: The Government of Ireland is making significant changes to the work permit system for the healthcare sector in order to address immediate skill and labour shortages in the healthcare and nursing home sectors. Under the new change, which is seen as a critical step in the health sector, nursing homes and other health sector employers will be allowed to hire foreigners as required.
The Irish Department of Labour yesterday approved an amendment to the law that would allow social workers and health care assistants to apply directly to work in Ireland from non-EU countries, including India.
With this, eligible Indians will have the opportunity to work in the health and social welfare sectors, including nursing homes and hospitals in Ireland. It is viewed as a crucial step in the field of Irish healthcare sector. Minister of State for Employment Damien English said the new changes, which are aimed at facilitating HSE recruitment, will take effect soon.
Minister Damien said health care assistants would be required to have a minimum QQI Level 5 qualification after two years of employment. The Minister also said that the Government would provide low-cost QQI Level 5 training for health care assistants who are being hired for the convenience of both employers and job seekers.
Currently, those with a nursing degree or diploma from India who are eligible to reside in Ireland (including those arriving on a spouse visa or on a student visa) have direct access to the Health Care Assistant job.
Many institutions now offer this course online, which lasts for a maximum of one year.
Although the Department of Labor did not include specific criteria for English language proficiency in the first notice, there may be clear instructions on that in the coming days.
The Government has suggested that employees recruited through the scheme be paid a minimum wage of at least €27,000.
Indians can apply for employment work permits in the fields of social workers, physiotherapist and speech and language therapist. Dieticians from non-EU countries can also seek employment in Ireland as they’re on the critical-skills employment list.
The Department of Business and Employment’s order states that if there are any issues with the scheme’s implementation conditions, the law would be reconsidered after one year.
There will also be a system in place to review jobs that are deemed ineligible for work permits, including critical skills, twice a year under the Government’s work-permit system. This will depend on the market situation and the needs of the particular sector.
According to Minister Damien, there is rising competition for job seekers specializing in healthcare. Attempts to recruit from the Irish and European labor markets, including the Department of Social Security, have failed to meet demand in this sector.
“One of the principal beneficiaries of today’s announcement will be the nursing-home sector following the removal of healthcare assistants from the ineligible occupation list. The impact of Covid-19 also means that the demand for healthcare assistants is likely to continue to be significant,” he said.
He said a review would be conducted within a year on how the current changes have benefited. The Minister of State said the HSE plans to hire an additional 16,000 employees in order to enhance the public sector.
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