42% of work visas for ICT jobs

New Government figures show that 42% of work permits issued to non-EU nationals last year were in the technology sector.

According to new figures provided by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton, the number of work permits issued to new applications by non- EU nationals last year declined by 8% from 3,179 to 2,918.

The total number of work permits, both new and renewed, declined by 23% from 5,200 in 2011 to 4,006 last year.

The figures show that 1,220 new work permits were issued in the ICT sector with 147 permits granted for permit renewals.

The statistics show that the services sector was the next highest with 428 permits issued, with 384 work permit applications in the healthcare sector.

Financial services accounted for 215 applications with 170 made in the manufacturing sector.

The figures show that 43 new applications were made in the area of sport along with 11 renewal applications.

The figures show that the overall refusal rate increased marginally last year from 16.5% to 17% or 727 of the applications processed.

In a written Dáil response to Patrick O’Donovan TD, Mr Bruton said: “The numbers of employment permit applications submitted and issued have markedly dropped since 2008 in line with economic conditions and the narrowing of eligible job categories and sectors.

“It is anticipated that the rate of decline in applications will reduce following a number of changes currently being made to the employment permits system with a particular view to processing more applications in respect of highly skilled employees, especially in the ICT sector. Current indications are that there is a significant shortage of skilled employees in that sector,” he said.

Last year, Mr Bruton confirmed a plan to develop an IT visa for Ireland that meets the needs of indigenous and multinational employers who are seeking highly skilled workers.

The confirmation of the plan followed an Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation publishing information that revealed 75% of ICT companies are looking for workers and there are currently 4,500 vacancies.