The Employment Permits Act 2024 introduced a significant change to Ireland’s employment permit system with the launch of the “Change of Employer” process.
What Is the “Change of Employer” Employment Permit?
Previously, if an employment permit holder wanted to change employers, a whole new employment permit application would need to be made in order to “change over”.
The new system requires much less documentation, does not require the second employer to carry out a labour market needs test and crucially does not require a new employment permit fee.
What do the Department check?
While the application is described as a “Change of Employer” application, the Department is not just checking the name and qualifications of the employer (e.g. numbers of EEA to Non-EEA employees, tax registration etc).
The proposed salary will also be looked at.
The Act requires that the Department apply the Regulations as they stand at the date of the application for “change of employer”– not the Regulations as they stood at the time the permit was first granted.
For example: if you are making an application in November 2024 – if your current Critical Skills Employment Permit was issued before January 2024 at €34,000, your new employer will need to offer the current minimum rate of €39,000 per annum for a 39 hour week.
It’s not clear what attitude will be taken to change of employer applications when occupations begin being put back onto the ineligible list.
Implications for Employers and Workers
For employers, this makes hiring someone on a permit far simpler.
For workers, it represents a step toward better job mobility and career growth in Ireland and is definitely something to welcomed. If you are interested making a change of employer application (whether you are an employer or employee) please contact our Immigration Team on info@mcgrathmullan.ie