Non-EEA migration to Ireland in times of labour and skills shortages

Across the EU, labour and skills shortages have become a critical challenge, driven by demographic ageing and a shrinking supply of workers. Ireland faces similar pressures. With employment and labour force participation at a high and unemployment at a low, employers in a growing number of sectors report difficulties in recruiting and retaining workers. Shortages persist across both high skilled and low skilled occupations in fields such as health and social care, construction, ICT and transport. 

Persistent labour and skill shortages have significant implications for economic growth, competitiveness, and for the availability of public services. While the Irish Government’s primary objective is to meet labour needs from within the Irish and EEA workforce, labour immigration has become an increasingly important tool where shortages cannot be addressed domestically. 

With a focus on the employment permit system, this report analyses the immigration of non-EEA workers as a response to Ireland’s labour and skills shortages. The research asks how Ireland’s legislative and policy framework for managing labour immigration has developed over the years and identifies challenges and good practices therein. The report’s findings are based on desk research, interviews, and stakeholder consultation considering the period 2021-2025 inclusive.