Ireland Expands Job Opportunities for Foreign Workers

Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment announced in May 2026 the removal of nine occupations from the Ineligible Occupations List, making them eligible for General Employment Permits. This significant update expands legal work pathways for skilled foreign nationals in sectors experiencing labor shortages, including healthcare and construction.

The roles now eligible for permits include Pharmaceutical Technicians, Dental Hygienists, Plastic Lining Technicians, Steel Fixers, Fencing Operators, Curtain Wallers, Printers, Industrial Machine Knitters, and Concrete Pump Operators. This change reflects ongoing skills gaps in various industries and acknowledges that the domestic labor supply is insufficient to meet current demand.

The General Employment Permit allows non-European Economic Area nationals to work in these roles without being tied to a high-salary threshold, thus making it accessible to a wider range of skilled and semi-skilled workers. Workers from African nations such as Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa can now apply for employment in these newly eligible roles.