Ireland has experienced a significant increase in the number of work permits issued during the first half of 2024.

According to the latest statistics from the Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the country issued 19,303 work permits between January and June 2024, marking a 20.5 per cent rise compared to the same period in 2023.

India was the top country of origin for foreign workers in Ireland, with 6,746 work permits issued to Indian nationals.

Other leading countries of origin included Brazil, the Philippines, Pakistan, and South Africa.

Nigeria accounted for a relatively small share of work permits, with 2.5% of the total permits issued to Nigerian nationals.

The top ten list also featured nationals from China, the United States, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Malaysia, highlighting the diverse international workforce contributing to Ireland’s labour market.

The healthcare and social work sector emerged as the leading industry in terms of the number of work permits issued.

This sector accounted for more than 35 per cent of the total permits, with 6,809 permits granted.

The information and communication sector followed with 3,282 permits, indicating a strong demand for IT and communication professionals.

The agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors received 1,859 permits, while the accommodation and food services sector was issued 1,458 permits.

Dublin, the capital city, received the highest number of foreign workers, with 9,241 permits issued.
This is followed by Cork with 1,555 permits, Kildare with 1,296, Limerick with 929, and Meath with 803 permits.
The concentration of work permits in these counties highlights the regional hubs of economic activity and employment opportunities in Ireland.

Also, the increase in work permits in 2024 follows a similar trend observed in 2023. In 2023, Ireland issued a total of 30,981 work permits, with Nigeria among the significant beneficiaries, receiving 1,005 permits.

The sectors with the highest share of work permits in 2023 mirrored those in the first half of 2024, including healthcare, IT, agriculture, and accommodation services.