Tech sector lures thousands of non-EU residents

More than 10,000 non-EU job candidates have applied to join the Republic's services industry this year with many targeting employment in the lucrative technology sector, according to the latest figures.

A new visa scheme which targets computer, medical and building staff is helping to streamline the application process.

And official government statistics show a growing number of applications from Asian countries.

Malaysians, Pakistanis and Indians, who aim to cash in on higher wages and develop cutting edge technical skills, are all applying in ever greater numbers.

This year alone more than 500 work permits have been issued to Indians and the trend looks set to continue over coming years.

India, a country which produces more than 55,000 IT professionals every year and has a tradition of exporting talent, could prove a vital jobs pool for the Republic's fast-growing tech sector.

"I chose to come to Ireland after hearing it had become a world leader in e-commerce and leading technologies," says Mr Harpreet Singh, a programmer with the e-tailer, Buy4Now. "I want to develop my programming skills and add to my CV."

Mr Singh has worked in the Republic for two months and is relatively happy with the work and the lifestyle in Dublin.

"Initially I was a bit afraid and though it may be like Germany with racism but so far people have been very helpful and curious to know about my skills."

Like many of the Indians who come to the Republic to work in the technology sector, Mr Singh was brought to Europe by an Indian outsourcing company which arranges his visa, job, accommodation and orientation.

The UK firm Unisoft IT brought Mr Singh and his friend Mr Satyajeet Singh to the Republic.

Like many of these outsourcing companies, Unisoft IT has a sister company in India which recruits staff and offers technical support.

"We find them jobs, provide accommodation and offer orientation advice to help them fit in with Irish culture," says Mr Deepak Malhotra, director of Unisoft IT.

"The consultants are also supported by Unitech's team in the company's development centre in Dehli while they are working for Irish client companies," he says.

This concept, often called bodyshopping, was popularised in the US during the early and mid-1990s when thousands of Indians left their homes to relocate to Silicon valley and other technology centres across America.

However, the experience of some Indian employees was not a happy one.

Low pay and exploitation of workers damaged the reputation of some US firms and outsourcing agencies which cared more about commission than staff.

Friends of both Mr Harpreet Singh and Mr Satyajet have had bad experiences with other firms in the US and Germany.

"They had some HR problems and ended up going back to India early," says Mr Harpeet Singh.

Mr Malhotra says there is no danger of such exploitation of Unisoft IT staff in the Republic.

"All our workers are paid the same rates as Irish workers," he says. "We also make sure they have good accommodation and are supported."

However, he admits there are a lot of "cowboys" in the sector and suggests a government-led certification would weed out any problems.

Unisoft is planning to establish a resource and proximity centre to support their staff of 20 in the Republic and a growing client list of firms seeking Indian talent.

But despite the obvious need for staff the Irish market is not yet fully open to the idea of outsourcing and recruiting foreign talent, according to Mr Steve Green, chief executive of recruitment firm HRM.

"Irish businesses are very much of the idea that permanent employees are more loyal and there is even a resistance to change and some jealousy of foreign staff with strong skills," he says.

"Employers need to be more creative. The culture and HR policies in the Republic date back to the 1950s," he says.

HRM has brought about 40 Americans, Indians and Australians to the Republic this year. But Mr Green believes there a culture change is required to address the growing labour shortage in the high tech sector.

"Irish business has to woo these guys with slick and quick interviews and we have to be open with the way we recruit and bring them on board."

There may also be a case for the relaxation of immigration policies and practices by officials.

Last week's high-profile case when seven Pakistani business men were detained for three nights highlighted some of the problems Asians may face living in the Republic.

Likewise government agencies have also been slow to tap Asia's multi-billion workforce. To date, FAS has concentrated on attracting Irish emigres from the US, Canada and South Africa.

This policy has been relatively successful. Last year some 26,000 Irish emigres returned to live in the Republic.

However, there are signs this is slowing and the projected figure for this year is 18,200.

But this focus may be shifting as FAS looks towards expanding its jobs fairs into Asia.

The agency has already held preliminary talks with representatives in Vietnam, India and the Philippines.

The first jobs fairs may now be held in Asia towards the end of next year.

Competition will be stiff. The US and many European Union countries are actively pursuing skilled technology workers with new visa schemes and a tax regime more attractive than the Republics.

But the early signs are encouraging, according to Mr Satyajeet Singh.

"As more Indians come and experience life and work in Ireland people back home will hear more about it and want to come."