Ireland’s labour force has undergone a remarkable transformation, with foreign-born workers now representing 20% of the total workforce, according to the latest Labour Force Survey. The figures reveal that 588,100 individuals living in Ireland are not Irish citizens by birth, making up 20.4% of the total workforce. This represents a significant shift in the country’s demographic landscape as Ireland positions itself as an increasingly appealing destination for international talent.

Data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) confirms a recurrent uptick in immigration. Nearly 15,000 people moved to the Republic of Ireland in the 12 months to April 2024. This surge marks the highest immigration level the country has seen in 17 years. 

The statistics reveal that among the new arrivals, 30,000 were returning Irish citizens, 27,000 were from other EU member states, and 5,400 were UK citizens. Additionally, the data shows that approximately 86,800 immigrants hailed from various countries, including a notable number of Ukrainians escaping the ongoing conflict in their homeland.

While narratives about the increasing number of refugees dominate discussions on migration, Ireland’s trends tell a more nuanced story. The country is drawing a significant influx of highly skilled workers, including those from other European nations, who see it as a land of career advancement opportunities. 

A recent Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) study emphasised troubling disparities in the Irish job market, particularly for non-Irish nationals. The research shows that Black individuals and those of African descent face significantly higher rates of work-related discrimination compared to their Irish peers. 

The report outlines several barriers these individuals encounter, including low wages and a mismatch between their qualifications and available jobs. It also points to limited opportunities for career advancement and challenges with English proficiency as significant hurdles.

Furthermore, the study indicates that foreign qualifications often struggle to receive recognition in Ireland, which hampers career mobility for many. The employment permit system and restrictions on the employment rights of family members emerge as other obstacles, complicating the pursuit of equity in the workforce. This research calls for urgent attention to rectify these disparities and promote a fairer job market.

Addressing the barriers

Despite Ireland’s efforts to promote integration through a mainstreamed policy approach, the ESRI report underscores the need for more comprehensive measures to ensure fair access to employment for non-EU nationals and effectively tackle the challenges they face.

Addressing these persistent barriers could have significant economic and societal implications. According to an OECD report, increasing the employment rate of immigrants to match that of the native-born population could boost Ireland’s GDP by up to 1.2% over the long term. Additionally, the European Commission concluded that improving labour market integration of immigrants could generate up to €36 billion in additional GDP across the EU.

Ireland’s positioning in the global context

In an international context, Ireland has a relatively low foreign-born unemployment rate compared to the other 37 nations within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). 

Recent data from national agencies and the OECD reveal that foreign-born workers play a pivotal role in the economy, accounting for approximately 3.5% of labour force growth in 2023, positioning Ireland among the top nations, second only to Portugal.

_{Source: National agencies and OECD calculations}

As many advanced economies face the challenges of ageing populations and slower domestic workforce growth, policymakers and stakeholders must prioritise comprehensive strategies to foster an inclusive and equitable labour market that harnesses the full potential of their countries.