Foreign Healthcare Workers Reluctant to Report Racism…

Dublin: Foreign-born healthcare workers in Ireland are often reluctant to report racial abuse and discrimination in the workplace because they fear that their complaints will not lead to meaningful action, according to an internal review by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The findings highlight concerns about the treatment of international staff, who have become an essential part of Ireland’s healthcare system, working across hospitals, nursing services and overnight shifts.

The review found that some employees lack confidence in existing complaint procedures and fear that reporting racist behaviour may not result in an adequate management response. This has raised concerns that the number of incidents officially recorded by the HSE may represent only a fraction of the problem.

Reported incidents of racial abuse rising

HSE figures show that 332 incidents of racial abuse were officially recorded between 2023 and mid-December 2025.

There were 73 reported incidents in 2023, rising to 133 in 2024. A further 126 incidents were recorded in 2025.

The increase has highlighted growing concerns about racism within the health service. However, the HSE review notes that under-reporting remains a significant concern because some workers are reluctant to make formal complaints.

International workers form a major part of HSE workforce

The HSE workforce includes employees from around 126 different nationalities, reflecting the increasingly international nature of Ireland’s healthcare system.

Approximately 16% of HSE employees are non-Irish. The proportion is significantly higher among certain healthcare professions, with international workers accounting for around 25% of nurses and midwives and 39% of doctors.

Indian nationals make up the largest group among international employees.

Concerns over management training

The review also raised concerns about whether managers have received sufficient training to identify and respond appropriately to racial discrimination.

Although the HSE employs around 10,000 managers, the review found that training relating specifically to diversity and ethnicity has so far reached only a relatively small proportion of them.

The rapid growth in workforce diversity has therefore not always been matched by corresponding changes in management practices, according to the assessment.

Isolation can make workers less likely to speak out

The review also highlighted the wider challenges faced by international healthcare workers.

Many workers who have moved to Ireland have limited family or support networks in the country. Experiencing discrimination at work can therefore be particularly difficult when there is no close family member or established support system with whom they can share their experiences.

Financial responsibilities towards families abroad, along with concerns about employment, accommodation and immigration status, can further discourage some workers from reporting incidents.

Workers want clearer protection and complaint procedures

Discussions through the HSE’s Cultural Diversity Network highlighted concerns that simply having a system for reporting racism is not enough.

Workers want clearer information about who will investigate complaints, how quickly action should be taken and what protections are available to employees who report abuse.

Employee representatives have also called for more specific procedures to deal with racism, rather than relying primarily on broader policies covering violence, harassment and workplace abuse.

The review recommends a stronger focus on prevention, rather than waiting until serious incidents occur before responding.

Workers should have clear guidance on what to do if they experience racist comments or behaviour from patients, colleagues or other staff members, including whom they should contact immediately and how managers are expected to respond.

The review also stresses the need to ensure that employees feel confident reporting everything from inappropriate jokes and remarks to more serious incidents of racial abuse.

HSE says international workers are essential

The HSE has emphasised the important contribution made by international employees to Ireland’s health service.

It said workers from overseas play a crucial role in delivering healthcare to patients throughout the country and acknowledged the sacrifices made by those who leave their families and home countries to work in Ireland.

The HSE has also reiterated that it does not tolerate racism, workplace abuse or discrimination and is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all employees.

The findings nevertheless underline a central challenge for the health service: ensuring that international workers who have become vital to Ireland’s healthcare system feel sufficiently protected and confident to report discrimination without fear of being ignored or facing repercussions.

Irish Samachar English News