Permits Foundation writes to Irish Government requesting a more streamlined process for dependants seeking employment
27 February 2019On 13 February, Permits Foundation sent a letter to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) as a response to the Irish Government’s Review of Economic Migration Policy. The Review follows a consultation to which Permits Foundation also responded.
In our letter we address the recommendations in the Review relating to family access to employment. We welcome that the Irish Government look to “streamline” the process for certain spouses, partners and dependants of highly skilled employees. However, Permits Foundation is concerned that the proposed measures focus largely on clarifying and communicating existing policy instead of tackling the current work permit barriers that discourage spouses from working – exacerbating skills shortages.
Some 30 countries, including almost all EU Member States, adopt our best practice model which involves granting direct work access for dependants partners and spouses. This policy benefits the host country, employee families and also employers looking to recruit and retain staff. Permits Foundation requests that Ireland also enables direct work authorisation, including self-employment, for family members of critical skills holders, researchers and intra-corporate transferees.
We look to meet with government representatives in the coming months as the Review recommendations are implemented.
Read the Irish Government Review of Economic Migration Policy
