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.
The changed rules will have a devastating impact on those migrant workers who are made redundant, many of whom have lived here for many years, paid taxes and PRSI. They face deportation if they fail to secure employment within three months. Previously if they lost their job, they could have their work permit transferred to a new employment in the same sector. By having to wait until a position has been advertised for two months, the prospect of them obtaining employment before they lose their entitlement to be here will be minimal. They will become undocumented, with devastating consequences for them and their families.
These changes are taking place in the context of a dramatic drop in the number of people seeking work permits. In the first three months of this year, 2,087 work permits were granted compared with 23,722 for the same period in 2007. This shows the labour market is imposing its own correction on the system.
The number of people affected is small. There are 30,000 people currently on work permits. They were welcomed here in better times and are not responsible for our economic difficulties. The Government has repeatedly stated the importance of the integration of migrants into Irish society. Forcing that minority of work permit holders who become redundant to choose between leaving the country or becoming undocumented is sending out the wrong message and will do nothing for the thousands – Irish and non-Irish – facing unemployment. This measure should be reconsidered urgently in consultation with unions, employers and migrant organisations.