Ireland's Migration Policy (Leaving Cert Geography): Revision Notes
Ireland's Migration Policy
Introduction to Ireland's migration policy
Ireland implemented significant changes to its immigration system on 1 October 2014 with the introduction of the Employment Permits Act. This legislation established much tighter controls on the entry of workers from countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA). The new system prioritises skilled migration, focusing on allowing entry to people who possess abilities that are in short supply within Ireland.
European Economic Area (EEA): The collective name given to the members of the EU and its trading partners of Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
The Employment Permits Act operates on a skills-based approach, with four main categories of employment permits available, alongside five additional lesser permits. This system ensures that Ireland can attract the specific talents needed for its economy whilst maintaining control over immigration numbers.
The 2014 reforms marked a fundamental shift from Ireland's previous immigration approach, moving from a relatively open system to one that specifically targets skills shortages in the Irish economy.
Types of employment permits
General employment permit
Previously known as the 'Work Permit', this permit serves as the standard route for most non-EEA workers seeking employment in Ireland. Key requirements include:
- Salary threshold: Annual salary must exceed €30,000
- Exceptional cases: Only workers in exceptional circumstances will be considered for positions below this salary level
- Labour means test: Employers must prove that no suitable Irish or EEA worker is available for the position
Before offering a position to a non-EEA national, employers must advertise the vacancy through multiple channels:
- Department of Social Protection Employment Services/European Employment Services (EURES) network for at least 2 weeks
- National newspaper for at least 3 days
- Local newspaper or jobs website for at least 3 days
The labour means test requirement ensures that Irish and EEA workers have priority access to employment opportunities, protecting the domestic labour market while still allowing employers to access international talent when necessary.
Critical skills employment permit
Formerly called the 'Green Card Permit', this permit targets highly skilled professionals essential to Ireland's economic development. This permit offers more favourable conditions:
- Primary salary requirement: Generally available for positions with average salaries over €60,000
- Alternative qualification: Also available for occupations with annual salaries of at least €30,000 if they appear on the 'Highly Skilled Occupations List'
- Skills focus: The list identifies abilities that are highly required in Ireland or areas experiencing general labour deficits
Critical Skills Employment Permit holders enjoy faster processing times and more flexible conditions compared to General Employment Permit holders, reflecting Ireland's priority on attracting top-tier talent.
Dependant/partner/spouse employment permit
This permit facilitates family unity by allowing the families of skilled workers to remain together in Ireland. It applies to:
- Spouses, partners and dependants of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders
- Family members of existing Green Card Permit holders
- Work rights: This permit allows the spouse to work in Ireland, providing economic opportunities for the entire family
Reactivation employment permit
This permit provides a safety net for foreign nationals who have previously worked legally in Ireland but experienced difficulties. It allows:
- Foreign nationals who entered Ireland on valid employment permits but lost their status through no fault of their own
- Workers who have been badly treated or exploited in the workplace
- Purpose: Enables these individuals to work again and rebuild their legal status in Ireland
Asylum seekers
When individuals arrive in Ireland seeking protection from persecution, they enter the asylum system with specific rights and procedures.
Rights and entitlements
Asylum seekers possess the right to apply for refugee status in Ireland. However, during the application process:
- They cannot work or leave the country
- They are entitled to state accommodation
- Healthcare, education and welfare support are provided
- If granted refugee status, they receive the same rights as any other Irish citizen
- If refused, asylum seekers face deportation
The restriction on working during the asylum process is intended to prevent abuse of the asylum system, though it creates challenges for applicants who may wait extended periods for decisions on their cases.
Changes to citizenship policy
In 2003, the Irish government made significant changes to citizenship laws. Following a referendum held in June 2004, automatic citizenship rights were removed for Irish-born children of non-national parents. This represented a major shift in Ireland's approach to birthright citizenship.
This constitutional change fundamentally altered Ireland's citizenship laws, moving away from the principle of jus soli (right of the soil) that had previously granted automatic citizenship to anyone born on Irish territory.
Statistical trends in asylum applications
Asylum applications in Ireland have shown significant variation over the past decade:
- Peak period (2005-2006): Applications reached their highest levels with over 4,300 applications in both years
- Decline phase (2007-2013): Numbers steadily decreased, reaching a low of 946 applications in 2013
- Recent increase (2014-2015): Applications rose again, reaching 3,276 in 2015
This pattern reflects broader European migration trends and global conflict situations affecting refugee movements.
Public attitudes towards immigration
Irish public opinion regarding immigration has evolved considerably:
2008 attitudes:
- 54% viewed immigration as good
- 33% considered it bad
- 13% felt it made little difference
2015 attitudes:
- 41% viewed immigration as good
- 37% considered it bad
- 22% felt it made little difference
The data shows a slight decrease in positive attitudes but also an increase in neutral perspectives, suggesting more nuanced public views on immigration's impact.
The shift in public opinion between 2008 and 2015 coincided with Ireland's economic recovery period following the financial crisis, which may have influenced perceptions about immigration's economic effects.
Summary
Key Points to Remember:
- Ireland's Employment Permits Act 2014 introduced stricter regulations for non-EEA workers, prioritising skills-based migration
- Four main employment permits exist: General (€30,000+ salary), Critical Skills (€60,000+ or €30,000+ if on skilled list), Dependant/Partner/Spouse, and Reactivation permits
- Asylum seekers cannot work during their application process but receive state support including accommodation, healthcare, and education
- Since 2004, there is no automatic citizenship right for Irish-born children of non-national parents following a referendum
- Asylum applications peaked in 2005-2006, declined significantly by 2012-2013, then increased again in 2015, whilst public attitudes towards immigration have become more mixed over time