The Government has published new legislation to prevent the exploitation of migrant workers.
The Employment Permits Bill will introduce a system of green cards that will give overseas workers the right to change employers if they were abused.
It will also increase penalties for employers who breach the legislation.
Recent high profile cases of exploited migrant workers at Irish Ferries and Gama Construction have put pressure on the Government to reform the work permit system.
Up to now the work permit was issued to the employer, and the migrant worker could not work for anyone else.
Critics said this effectively gave rise to a system of bonded slavery, where workers had to stay in unacceptable conditions or leave the country.
The new bill introduces a 'green card' system, whereby the permit will be issued to the employee, who can switch employers if problems arise.
It is understood the green cards will be assigned to meet specific skills shortages in the economy.
The bill will also increase the penalties for employers who exploit their staff with fines of up to €50,000, and a potential prison term of up to five years.
