Ireland: Expanded Eligibility for General Employment Permit Renewals for Healthcare Workers

Key Points  

• Ireland expanded eligibility for healthcare assistants who seek to renew a General Employment Permit 

Overview  

The government of Ireland expanded eligibility for healthcare assistants who seek to renew a General Employment Permit (GEP). As a result, healthcare workers who possess relevant health and social care qualifications that are comparable to a Level 5 Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) will be eligible to apply for a GEP renewal.  

Eligible applicants will be required to gain approval from a clinical lead in healthcare, certifying that the applicant has demonstrated their technical ability, qualifications, and suitability to the Health Care Assistant role during their employment.  

The clinical lead, employee and employer will need to complete the required form and submit this to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment as part of the application process for the renewal of the general employment permit. 

What are the Changes?  

The Irish government expanded the possibility for certain foreign nationals to apply for a GEP renewal. Eligible applicants must be able to provide proof of holding relevant experience issued by a clinical lead in healthcare. Previously, healthcare assistants needed to provide proof of meeting the Level 5 QQI qualification.  

Looking Ahead  

Continue to check the government of Ireland’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.