Ireland's Economic Growth at Risk Due to «Regressive Migration Policies»
The Immigrant Council of Ireland warns that Ireland's economic performance is at risk due to the Government's «regressive migration policies». Migrant workers accounted for 61.4% of employment growth between 2019-2024. Delays in residence permit renewals and disproportionate policy focus on asylum seekers are causing significant issues for essential working migrants, threatening the economy.
The Immigrant Council of Ireland warns that Ireland's economic performance will falter due to the Government's «increasingly regressive migration policies». National and international reports consistently show migration is essential for sustaining economic growth, addressing labor shortages, and supporting public services in Ireland.
CSO figures from last month reveal migrant workers accounted for 61.4% of all employment growth between 2019 and 2024, with non-Irish nationals making up 27.5% of total employees in 2024. The Council describes current government policy as «disproportionate», focusing predominantly on asylum seekers (5% of migrants) and creating significant gaps in immigration service delivery for most migrants.
CEO Teresa Buczkowska highlighted that millions are spent on deportations rather than resourcing administrative systems for existing working migrants. An example is the 16-week waiting list for Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards. IRP holders cannot apply for renewal until 12 weeks before expiry, leading to at least a four-week gap without a valid permit. This puts essential migrant workers at risk of layoff, impacts mortgage approvals, and hinders travel for visa-required nationals, potentially causing workers to seek opportunities elsewhere and severely impacting Ireland's economy.