
Irish authorities have relaxed the requirements for healthcare assistants seeking to renew their General Employment Permits, with applicants who possess health and social care qualifications equivalent to a Level 5 Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) qualification now being eligible for permit renewal. Previously, such applicants had to specifically hold a Level 5 QQI qualification, and were not eligible even if they held equivalent health and social care qualifications under a different regime. This change ensures comparably qualified healthcare assistants will be able to remain in the Irish workforce, increasing skilled-worker retention (particularly relevant in the currently tight global labor market) and offering employers greater human resources flexibility.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Work authorization
Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup and Senior Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis explore how the EU’s Entry/Exit System is reshaping Schengen overstay enforcement, the risks facing travellers and employers and the legal remedies available to challenge or prevent adverse outcomes.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Canada’s entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa-required and visa-exempt nationals, visitor entry rules and key planning considerations for fans, teams, media and volunteers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses the DOL’s proposed H-1B wage rule and its potential to add significant unplanned costs for US employers.
Media mentions
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key pathways to German citizenship, including descent-based eligibility and standard naturalization requirements and outlines important considerations for individuals exploring their options.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior outlines key compliance considerations for UK hospitality sponsors as regulatory expectations continue to evolve.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler said proposed H-1B and PERM wage increases could raise hiring costs and apply only to new and pending applications.
Work authorization
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores the latest UK immigration fee increases and their wider implications for migration trends, labour supply and workforce planning.
Video
Partner Karine Wenger outlines US visa considerations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the FIFA Pass priority scheduling system and the importance of early planning.
Media mentions
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key considerations for managing outbound assignments from Germany, including planning, visa requirements and coordinated global support.
Video
Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Work authorization
Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup and Senior Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis explore how the EU’s Entry/Exit System is reshaping Schengen overstay enforcement, the risks facing travellers and employers and the legal remedies available to challenge or prevent adverse outcomes.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Canada’s entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa-required and visa-exempt nationals, visitor entry rules and key planning considerations for fans, teams, media and volunteers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses the DOL’s proposed H-1B wage rule and its potential to add significant unplanned costs for US employers.
Media mentions
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key pathways to German citizenship, including descent-based eligibility and standard naturalization requirements and outlines important considerations for individuals exploring their options.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior outlines key compliance considerations for UK hospitality sponsors as regulatory expectations continue to evolve.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler said proposed H-1B and PERM wage increases could raise hiring costs and apply only to new and pending applications.
Work authorization
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores the latest UK immigration fee increases and their wider implications for migration trends, labour supply and workforce planning.
Video
Partner Karine Wenger outlines US visa considerations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the FIFA Pass priority scheduling system and the importance of early planning.
Media mentions
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key considerations for managing outbound assignments from Germany, including planning, visa requirements and coordinated global support.
Video
Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
