Skilled non-EU nationals can live & work in Ireland

NEW DELHI: IT workers, bankers and scientists from outside the EU will now have an easier passage to Ireland. The Irish government has announced new regulations that will allow non-EU nationals with certain specified skills to live and work in Ireland for a defined period of time.

Four new types of employment permit ��� the green card scheme, work permits, intra-company transfer permit and spousal/dependant permits ��� will be introduced from February .

The new employment permit system is based on job offers in skill-shortage areas. This will allow the system to be responsive and efficient in responding to strategic high-skill shortages.

The green card scheme will replace the existing work visa/work authorisation scheme. The scheme can be availed for occupations with annual salaries of e60,000 and above. Green cards can be availed for a specified list of occupations with salaries between e30,000 and e60,000.