The Government has published details of gradual increases to salary thresholds for migrant workers.
It has today announced the Roadmap for Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) Salary Thresholds, with the first increase to take effect 1 March 2026.
MAR is the lowest annual salary that must be paid to a non-EEA worker for an employment permit to be issued or renewed.
There is also an associated hourly rate for each MAR that must also be satisfied.
The Government said the new phased approach to increasing salary thresholds across all employment permit types will strengthen Ireland's competitiveness while supporting businesses and workers.
It said it will also remove very low thresholds on a phased basis for certain roles in the agri-food and healthcare sectors.
The key changes from 1 March include:
- Minimum salary for General Employment Permits will rise from €34,000 to €36,605.
- Minimum salary for Critical Skills Employment Permits will increase from €38,000 to €40,904.
- For meat processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants, and home carers, the minimum salary will increase from €30,000 to €32,691.
- Lower starting thresholds will apply for recent graduates, reflecting their early career stage.
Todays new Roadmap follows a review of the 2023 plan to raise salary thresholds over two years.
The review considered feedback from public consultation, which received over 150 submissions from employers, permit holders, trade unions, and representative bodies.
It also took into consideration business challenges linked to rising costs and global economic conditions, as well as concerns from migrant worker advocacy groups about permit renewals under quickly implemented higher thresholds.
The new plan outlines a gradual implementation of the increases through to 2030.
It said this approach ensures balance between worker rights and business sustainability, in line with the Employment Permits Act 2024.
Minister Peter Burke said: "The intention of this Roadmap is to strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness in attracting the vital skills and talent our economy needs—especially in sectors like healthcare and construction.
"To balance the rights of workers with the needs of businesses, the changes will be introduced on a phased basis. This will give all sectors sufficient time to prepare," Mr Burke said.
