28th May 2026 |
Reports, Research and Analysis
Report of the review of the occupations lists for employment permits announcing changes to the employment permits system following a comprehensive review that commenced in Summer 2025.
The Minister has approved a total of 32 changes to jobs eligible for an employment permit including:
- 6 roles are recommended to be made eligible for CSEPs
- 9 roles are recommended to be made eligible for GEPs (without quota)
- 2 roles are recommended to be made eligible for GEPs subject to newly established quotas
- 15 roles are recommended to have their existing GEP quotas renewed
The 2025 review was launched on 23 July 2025 consisting of an open public consultation inviting submissions for proposed changes, an evaluation process and the convening of an inter-governmental group for consideration of recommended changes. The consultation closed on 19 September 2025.
Over 400 submissions were received through this process from a range of stakeholders including small and medium-sized entities, government departments and employment permit users covering an extensive number of occupations across a wide range of sectors in the economy.
The review process determines where adjustments are appropriate based on evidence, while cognisant of the guiding principles of sustainable adjustable economic migration and supported through the participation and contributions of the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Economic Migration Policy.
Operational clarification
Please note that for newly established quotas for the roles of Fish Filleter and Seafood Operative, as well as further quotas for roles that had previously expired (listed below), a new Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) must be run.
- Hotel and accommodation managers and proprietors
- Restaurant and catering establishment managers and proprietors
- Publicans and managers of licensed premises
- Catering and bar managers
- Car/ Motor Mechanic, Auto Electrician, Vehicle Technician
- Vehicle Body Builders / Repairers / Body Shop Panel Beaters
- Vehicle Paint Technicians
Therefore, allowing for the LMNT, the earliest date any valid general employment permit application can be submitted for these roles is 10 June 2026.
Topics:
Employment Permits