Ireland is currently experiencing an acute shortage of personnel in 20 professions in the fields of healthcare, IT, engineering, manufacturing and construction. Find out more about which professions are the easiest to get a work visa in Ireland in 2024
Ireland has become one of the EU countries that is most dependent on doctors and nurses trained abroad. During the first half of 2024, the authorities issued 19,303 work permits, which is 20.5% more than in the same period of 2023. This highlights the country’s growing need for qualified medical workers and other specialists from abroad to meet the growing demand for labor.
In the previous article, we told you that since July 10, 2024, the Irish government has approved a visa regime for citizens of Botswana and South Africa.
List of the most sought-after professions in Ireland
According to the EURES report for 2023, Ireland is facing a labor shortage in 20 professions. The sectors most affected include healthcare, IT, engineering, manufacturing, construction and transportation.
This creates additional opportunities for foreigners who have one of these professions and wish to move to Ireland. Thus, skilled workers from abroad may have a better chance of obtaining an Irish work visa, helping the country overcome the shortage of personnel.
According to the latest EURES report, Ireland is facing a labour shortage in the following professions:
1. Drivers of heavy vehicles and trucks
2. Bus and tram drivers
3. Adjusters and operators of metalworking machines
4. Welders and gas cutters
5. Plumbers and plumbing fitters
6. Carpenters and joiners
7. Home Care workers
8. Junior medical staff
9. Chefs
10. Chemical and physical sciences technicians
11. Software Developers
12. System Analysts
13. Medical workers who are not classified in other categories
14. Nursing specialists
15. General practitioners
16. Engineering specialists who are not classified in other categories
17. Mechanical engineers
18. Civil engineers
19. Chemists
20. Information and Communication Technology Managers
You will need health insurance to move, travel, or find employment in a new country safely. An extended policy can be issued on our websiteby the link.
Foreign workers in Ireland
The demand for foreign medical workers in Ireland is particularly high, and the country is heavily dependent on foreign doctors and nurses. Given the growing number of work permits issued, especially in the field of healthcare and information technology, Ireland is becoming increasingly attractive for foreign specialists.
Ireland has a significant demand for foreign workers, especially in the health sector. In recent years, the country has become one of the largest in the EU in terms of dependence on doctors and nurses trained abroad. Ireland, Norway and Switzerland show the highest dependence on foreign doctors, while Ireland, Switzerland and Austria rely on nurses trained outside the country.
In 2024, Ireland significantly increased the number of work permits issued. In the first half of the year, 19,303 permits were issued, which is 20.5% more than in the same period last year. The most permits were issued in such industries as healthcare (6809), information technology (3282), agriculture, forestry and fisheries (1859) and accommodation and nutrition services (1458).
Among foreign workers, Indian citizens received the most work permits. From January to June 2024, Indians received 6,746 permits, which is 35% of the total. Other nationalities who often receive work permits in Ireland include citizens of Brazil, the Philippines, Pakistan, South Africa, China, the United States, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Malaysia.
Let’s remind you!Ireland is an English-speaking country in the European Union, which attracts expats with job prospects and a high standard of living. Read more about what specialists are missing in the Irish labor market and how a foreigner can get a work permit in the country.
Igor Usyk – Head of the Legal Department of Visit World
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