The Employment Permits Act 2024: What It Means for Dental Professionals in Ireland
In the last 6 months, the Employment Permits Act 2024 was signed into law by President Higgins. It marks the most significant reform in Ireland’s employment permit system since 2006, making it easier and more flexible for non-EEA dental professionals to secure jobs in Ireland. With streamlined processes, greater mobility, and improved protections, this legislation is set to transform the recruitment landscape for dentists, specialists, and dental nurses.
Key Points:
1. Streamlining the Application Process
The Act simplifies the Irish Dental Council (IDC) registration by removing outdated requirements, such as advertising vacancies in print media. Now, job postings can be placed on online platforms, making it easier for dental employers to recruit qualified professionals quickly. Irish Dental Jobs ensures compliance with these new regulations, guiding dental professionals through the application process efficiently.
2. Easier Mobility for Dental Professionals
A major highlight of the Act is the Change of Employer Provision, allowing General Employment Permit (GEP) and Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holders to switch employers within the same profession after just nine months—a reduction from the previous 12-month requirement. This means that dentists and dental nurses can explore better opportunities with new practices without needing to reapply for an entirely new permit.
Additionally, the Act introduces provisions for career progression within the same company. Dental professionals can now secure promotions or internal transfers without the hassle of applying for a new permit, making it easier to grow their careers while staying with a trusted employer.
3. Enhanced Worker Protections
The new legislation ensures that employment permit holders receive fair treatment, with clearer guidelines on salaries, contract terms, and employment rights. Employers must meet minimum remuneration thresholds, and there are stricter regulations against exploitation, protecting dental professionals from unfair working conditions.
4. Dependent Employment Permits & Family Support
For those moving to Ireland with their families, the Act revises the Dependant Employment Permit, making it easier for spouses and partners of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders to access the labour market without needing an additional permit. This is a significant advantage for dental professionals looking to establish long-term careers in Ireland while ensuring their families can settle comfortably.
5. Seasonal Employment Permits
The new Seasonal Employment Permit allows non-EEA nationals to work for up to 7 months per calendar year in seasonally recurrent employment. Initially, it will be piloted for horticultural workers later this year, with full implementation expected in early 2025. Employers must register as approved seasonal employers and obtain annual pre-approval, meeting specific criteria for employee numbers, turnover, and balance sheet totals. Additionally, employers must provide accommodation and health insurance for seasonal employees.
6. Revocation of Employment Permits
A new provision requires permit holders to commence employment within six months of the permit being granted or coming into force. This could pose challenges for visa-required permit holders facing delays in the visa process. Although not explicitly stated, it is implied that permits may be cancelled if not taken up within six months.
7. Changing Employer Within the Same Type of Role
Employment permit holders can change employers after 9 months on their permit (but before 22 months) without needing a new permit or Labour Market Needs Test. This applies to General Employment Permit holders changing to the same type of role (identified by its 4-digit SOC code) and Critical Skills Employment Permit holders changing within the same category of role (identified by its 3-digit SOC code). Conditions include a maximum of three change applications, submission of a new employment contract, and commencement of employment within one month of permit issuance.
8. Promotion or Internal Transfer in the Role
Permit holders can be promoted within the same company without needing a new permit, provided the role uses the same skills and remains eligible. This will be assessed upon renewal.
9. Changing Employers to Another Type of Role or a New Role with the Same Employer
Permit holders can apply for a new permit for a different type of role after at least nine months. Discretion may be granted for earlier applications in cases of changed circumstances or exploitation.
10. Minimum Annual Remuneration
The Act mandates an annual review of average weekly earnings in Ireland to adjust the minimum annual remuneration for employment permits. Employers should plan for potential increases in line with average wage growth, which will also apply to renewals.
What This Means for Dental Professionals
The Employment Permits Act 2024 makes Ireland a more attractive destination for international dental professionals. With faster processing times, increased job mobility, and better protections, securing a role in Ireland’s thriving dental industry has never been easier.
One of the most significant changes brought by the Employment Permits Act 2024 is the ability for dental professionals to change employers within 7 months, rather than being required to stay in a potentially low-paying role for up to 22 months. This new provision addresses a critical issue where some employers, though not all, have taken advantage of the previous law, exploiting those who needed a job to maintain their work permit status. This reform empowers dental professionals to seek better opportunities and fairer working conditions much sooner, enhancing their career prospects and overall job satisfaction.
At Irish Dental Jobs, we specialise in helping dental professionals navigate the permit and registration process, ensuring a smooth transition into their new careers. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced dentist looking for new opportunities, our 5-star-rated service is here to support you every step of the way.
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