Ireland ‘losing its lure’ for overseas workers

The IDA has insisted Ireland remains an attractive location for overseas workers, despite new research showing the country has slipped alarmingly down the pecking order in a global league table of desireable move locations for expatriates.

The survey — by online networking group InterNations — ranks Ireland 56th out of 67 countries in terms of popular living destinations.

The overall rating — down from 40th out of 64 countries last year — is based on a number of sub-indices covering everything from cost of living to amenities and weather.

“Despite the population’s famous Irish charm, the economic side of life in Ireland is less than appealing and, as a result, Ireland ranks third from last in the personal finance index,” InterNations said.

“After suffering one of the hardest hits during the recession of 2008, Ireland bounced back incredibly and proved again it deserved the nickname ‘the Celtic Tiger’.

"This could explain why the Irish economy and labour market were viewed by over six-in-ten expats – 62% - as a potential benefit of moving to Ireland.

"What it does not explain, however, is why the state of the Irish economy is described as ‘very good’ by only 5% of expats, compared to a global average of 17%.

"One explanation for this might be the lack of job security and career opportunities, given Ireland has dropped from 24th place out of 64 countries in 2015 to 57th out of 67 countries in 2016 in the ‘job and career’ sub-category,” it added.

However, IDA chief executive Martin Shanahan said available talent remains “the number one reason” overseas companies continue to choose to locate in Ireland; adding “Ireland’s attractiveness to a mobile and skilled workforce — as a place to live and work — is the key differentiator for decision-makers across the globe considering an investment in Europe.”

Recent data seems to support his thinking. According to the EU’s statistical arm, Eurostat, Ireland, proportionally speaking, has the third highest international workforce in Europe; over 15% of its workforce is international and 11% of those workers come from other EU countries.

The CSO said nearly 32,000 international citizens moved to Ireland in the 12 months up to April of this year.

However, online recruiter Indeed has flagged Ireland’s accommodation costs — both in terms of house prices and surging rents — as a concern for overseas workers considering a move here, while the IDA and Mr Shanahan have also expressed the need to keep business costs in check and to ensure personal tax rates are competitive.

Meanwhile, InterNations’ survey also suggests Ireland is losing its charm and hospitable nature; saying expats are feeling less welcome.

“Ireland still ranks fairly high on the ‘ease of settling in’ index, coming in at 23rd place. The Irish population’s friendliness — in general, as well as towards foreign residents — is slowly sliding further down the scale, though.

"Last year, Ireland ranked sixth out of 64 countries in the ‘friendliness’ sub-category whereas this year, Ireland’s friendliness comes in at number 20 in the rankings.”

Ireland also doesn’t rank highly for the ease of building new friendships — dropping from 25th place in the rankings to 46th.

“It seems that Ireland is becoming less welcoming, at least according to expats,” the survey said.