Employers: What you need to know about hiring IT talent from outside the EEA

Due to the current skills shortage in Ireland, more employers are considering hiring IT talent from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Recent Government statistics show that 8,043 employment permits were issued up to 1 September this year, an increase of 6 percent on the same period in 2017.

For employers seeking to recruit IT workers, the good news is that many ICT roles are included on the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List maintained and updated by the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation. Individuals with skills on this list can apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit which aims to encourage highly skilled individuals to enter the labour force and take up permanent residence in Ireland. An advantage of this type of permit is that it eliminates the need for a Labour Market Needs Test.

So far this year, 3,580 Critical Skills Employment Permits were issued up to 1 September, including 2,466 to individuals taking up ICT roles

Requirements for employers hiring non-EEA nationals

Employers hiring non-EEA nationals must comply with certain requirements before their prospective employee can apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit. At the time of writing, these include:

• You must be a bona-fide employer based and trading in Ireland.
• You must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and, where applicable, with the Companies Registration Office/Register of Friendly Societies.
• At least 50% of the employees in your firm must be EEA nationals at the time of application. (This restriction may be waived for certain start-up companies).
• Your prospective employee must have the relevant qualifications, skills and experience for the role.
• The job offer must be for 2 years’ duration and the non-EEA national is expected to stay with you for a minimum period of 12 months.
• The annual remuneration for the role must be at least €30,000.
• The application for a Critical Skills Employment Permit must be made at least 12 weeks before the employment is due to commence.

It is important to review the full list of requirements on the DBEI website so as to avoid mistakes or delays in the application process.

While the prospect of recruiting IT talent from outside the EEA may appear daunting, Eolas Recruitment can guide you through the process. Our specialists will also help you to source, select and screen suitable candidates. To find out more about our services and how we can help, please get in touch.