Work permits reach 16,400 as demand for health and IT staff remains strong in Covid year

Healthcare workers accounted for almost a third of the work permits issued, with almost 5,200 staff hired to work in hospitals and nursing homes

University Hospital Limerick was among several hospitals making use of employment permits.

More than 16,400 employment work permits were issued last year as the need for companies to hire workers from outside the European Economic Area remained strong amid the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Department of Employment figures show a record 16,419 permits were issued to more than 3,330 employers in 2020 – a small increase of 37 permits on the previous year, but the highest level since online records began in 2009. In addition, more than 900 applications for permits were refused and over 630 applications were withdrawn.