Link work permits to skills, urges FÁS

EMPLOYMENT agency FÁS has called for a radical overhaul of the work permit system in order to better fill skills shortages with qualified immigrants.

Currently the system allows the employer of any non-EU citizen who is offered work to apply for a work permit to employ that individual.

But FÁS, in its Irish Labour Market Review 2002, has recommended a system similar to that used in Australia, which links the application to skills shortages rather than employment vacancies.