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NEW RULES on work permits due to come into force next week will make it more difficult for people to obtain such permits and will have a severe impact on some current holders. Redundant migrant workers will become particularly vulnerable as they will become subject to a “labour market test” in order to get a new permit.

This requires that a vacancy must be advertised for two months and no local or European Union applicant found before a work permit application from a non-EU candidate can be considered. The condition will apply equally to new applicants and to work permit holders already resident here who lose their jobs. Other changes include the removal of certain categories of work in the healthcare, financial services and marketing sector from eligibility for work permits, modifications to the green card system and a major increase in work permit fees.