General Employment Permit
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The General Employment Permit offers a flexible pathway to employment in Ireland, catering to individuals who may not meet the criteria for a Critical Skills Employment Permit. Here, we delve into the specifics of this option, highlighting its key features and requirements. employment.
Eligibility and Salary Requirements:
Unlike the stringent salary requirements of the Critical Skills Employment Permit, the General Employment Permit offers more flexibility. However, several conditions must be met:
Labour Market Needs Test
In most cases, a Labour Market Needs Test is required for a General Employment Permit. This test seeks to ensure that there are no suitable Irish or EU candidates available for the position. However, exemptions apply in the following scenarios:
- The job is on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
- The annual salary offered exceeds €64,000.
- The role is supported by IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland, with a letter of support from either authority.
- Ineligible Occupations List: It's crucial to note that General Employment Permits are not granted for positions listed on the Ineligible Occupations List, regardless of the applicant's education, salary, or the employer's inability to find a suitable EU or Irish candidate.
Remuneration Requirements
The salary requirements for a General Employment Permit are as follows:
- €30,000 for a standard General Employment Permit.
- €27,000 for recent graduates from an Irish third-level institution who have been offered a role on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
- €27,000 for recent graduates from an overseas third-level institution offered an "ICT professional" role on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
- €27,000 for positions that require a non-EEA language, are supported by IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland, and fall under customer service, sales, specialist online digital marketing/sales, or specialist/technical language/sales support roles.
- It's important to clarify that these salary figures include only the base salary and insurance payments, and they are based on a standard 39-hour workweek.
Permit Duration and Renewals
General Employment Permits are typically granted for periods ranging from six months to two years. Renewals are available for additional periods of six months, up to a maximum total of three years.
Path to Long-Term Residency
After completing five years of employment in Ireland on a General Employment Permit, individuals become eligible to obtain a Stamp 4 permission, granting them the right to remain in the country.
Family Reunification
Family reunification is possible once the principal employment holder has completed at least one year of employment in the country. However, unlike Critical Skills Employment Permit holders, family members are not granted permission to work in Ireland. They receive a Stamp 3 permission, allowing them to remain in the country, but they must secure their own employment permit should they wish to work in Ireland.
Remuneration Requirements
The salary requirements for a General Employment Permit are as follows:
- €30,000 for a standard General Employment Permit.
- €27,000 for recent graduates from an Irish third-level institution who have been offered a role on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
- €27,000 for recent graduates from an overseas third-level institution offered an "ICT professional" role on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
- €27,000 for positions that require a non-EEA language, are supported by IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland, and fall under customer service, sales, specialist online digital marketing/sales, or specialist/technical language/sales support roles.
- It's important to clarify that these salary figures include only the base salary and insurance payments, and they are based on a standard 39-hour workweek.
Permit Duration and Renewals
General Employment Permits are typically granted for periods ranging from six months to two years. Renewals are available for additional periods of six months, up to a maximum total of three years.
Path to Long-Term Residency
After completing five years of employment in Ireland on a General Employment Permit, individuals become eligible to obtain a Stamp 4 permission, granting them the right to remain in the country.
Family Reunification
Family reunification is possible once the principal employment holder has completed at least one year of employment in the country. However, unlike Critical Skills Employment Permit holders, family members are not granted permission to work in Ireland. They receive a Stamp 3 permission, allowing them to remain in the country, but they must secure their own employment permit should they wish to work in Ireland.
In summary, the General Employment Permit serves as an alternative option for foreign workers who may not meet the stringent requirements of a Critical Skills Employment Permit. It provides flexibility in terms of salary requirements while still contributing to the Irish workforce and offering a potential pathway to long-term residency.
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