The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has announced a deferral of the proposed increases to the Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) for employment permits, which were originally planned for January 2025. This decision follows the initiation of a review aimed at ensuring future increases are sustainable for both employers and permit holders.
The MAR, which sets the minimum annual salary for employment permits, was increased in January 2024 as part of a roadmap designed to address discrepancies with rising average earnings in Ireland. Further planned increases outlined in this roadmap, scheduled to run until 2026, are now under review. The department is considering the economic pressures businesses have faced over the past year and is seeking a balanced approach to implementing future adjustments.
While most planned increases are postponed pending the review, the MAR for Health Care Assistants, Home Carers, and Care Workers will rise to €30,000 in January 2025 as previously communicated. This adjustment falls outside the scope of the ongoing review.
Stakeholders, including employers, employee representatives, and others, are encouraged to contribute feedback through the MAR survey. Submissions are open until 10 January 2025, offering an opportunity to influence the future direction of MAR adjustments.
Further details on this review, including background information, can be accessed through the department’s information note: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/deferral-of-increases-to-mar.html
At McGrath Mullan LLP, we stay updated on changes that impact employment permits. If you have any questions about how these changes may affect your business or employment prospects, or if you need any assistance with your employment permit application, contact our team today at info@mcgrathmullan.ie