Government plans for a "green card" system for migrant workers unveiled today was greeted with a qualified welcome from trade unions and businiess groups.
The new regulations, which come into operation on February 1st, will allow non-EU nationals with certain specified skills to live and work in the Republic for a defined period of time.
The four new types of employment permit are; the Green Card Scheme, the Work Permit, the Intra-Company Transfer Permit and Spousal/Dependant Permits.
The Green Card scheme will replace the old Work Visa/Work Authorisation scheme and will be available for occupations with annual salaries of €60,000 and above, and for a specified list of occupations with salaries between €30,000 and €60,000.
Some of the areas where the Green Card will be applied include information and communications technology, health care, construction, engineeering, financial services and research sectors.
The cards will be issued for two years initially and holders will be allowed to bring their spouses and families. These permits may be extended for another three years.
The Intra-Company transfer scheme is designed to allow multi-national companies to transfer senior management between branches in different countries, or to transfer staff with particular skills, knowledge and expertise here on a temporary basis in a start-up situation.
These permits will only be available for those with annual salaries above €40,000 and who have been with the sending company for at least one year.
The permits will also be for a period of two years initially, with the possibility of an extension for up to a further three years.
The final scheme is the Spousal/Dependant Work Permit. This allows the spouses and dependants of Employment Permit holders who are entitled to reside here to apply for Work Permits.
Speaking at the official launch today the Minister for Employment Micheál Martin said: "It is important that the new regime is flexible so that it can respond quickly to both emerging skills shortages generally and to specific company skill requirements.
"The fact that our employment permits arrangements will be based on job offers in skill shortage areas, rather than on unwieldy quota or points systems, will mean that they will be both responsive and efficient in responding to strategic high skill shortages as they emerge".
In a policy speech on immigration last night, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the Irish needed to get the balance right in coping with the huge upheaval caused to society by the unprecedented levels of immigration it is now experiencing.
Among other measures Mr Kenny called for the introduction of a Green Card system to entice skilled workers from outside the EU to come to Ireland. "Most skills needs in the economy can be met from within the European Union, particularly in the low-skilled area," he said.
"For non-EU citizens, we should introduce a Green Card system with the objective of making Ireland the destination of choice for highly skilled migrants, including those with advanced science and engineering skills and specific skills required in the economy."
Ictu general secretary David Begg today welcomed the new system, saying it replaced a scheme open to abuse and exploitation.
Some migrant workers had been "bound to an abusive employer" and were not in a position to complain for fear the employer would revoke their permit, Mr Begg said.
"That system was unacceptable and we are glad to see to back of it," he added.
However, Isme said that although the Green Card system is a step in the right direction, it remains too restrictive and does not consider the particular requirements and affordability of smaller companies.
"Immigration policy has a direct link with competitiveness and we should benchmark against those countries competing with us to attract and retain skilled mobile labour," said Isme chief executive Mark Fielding. "The employment permit arrangements outlined only go part of the way to achieving that aim".
Danny McCoy, director of policy at business and employers group Ibec, said the intra-company transfer scheme was particularly welcome for multinationals.
"Whilst many have appreciated the efforts made by the Department to facilitate individual requests over the last couple of years, the introduction of a formal scheme is very welcome," Mr McCoy said.