What to Do If You’re Made Redundant on an Employment Permit in Ireland

Facing redundancy is difficult for anyone — but if you’re living in Ireland on a work permit, it can feel especially worrying. The good news is that there are rules and supports in place to help you through this period.

Here’s what you should know if you hold a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit and find yourself out of work.

📢 Notify the Department Promptly

If you’ve been made redundant, you must inform the Employment Permits Section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment within four weeks.

You’ll need to fill out the official Redundancy Notification Form. This is essential, as it helps protect your permission to remain in Ireland while you search for a new job.

⏳ Six Months to Find New Work

Once you’ve been made redundant, you have up to six months from your redundancy date to secure a new job.

This gives you time to find another employer and apply for a new employment permit.

✅ Possible Exemptions to Normal Rules

If you:

• submit your Redundancy Notification Form within four weeks, and

• find a new job within six months

…you may be exempt from certain usual requirements, such as:

• the Labour Market Needs Test (which normally requires employers to prove they couldn’t fill the role with an Irish or EU citizen)

• specific eligibility criteria for the job

These exemptions can make it easier and faster to stay working in Ireland.

🔄 If Your Job Becomes Ineligible

Sometimes, the type of job you held might become ineligible for employment permits if:

• it’s added to the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits, or

• it’s removed from the Critical Skills Occupations List

Don’t lose hope! If you’re offered the same job with a different employer, you can still apply for the same type of employment permit you held before being made redundant.

❗ Can’t Find Work Within Six Months?

If you’re unable to find new employment within six months, it’s important to contact Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) to discuss your options.

Depending on your circumstances, you might:

• apply for a reactivation permit, a different type of immigration permission, or

• make arrangements to leave Ireland

If you leave the country but later secure a new job offer, you can still apply for a new employment permit in future, provided you meet the relevant requirements at that time.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Losing your job while on an employment permit can be stressful — but Ireland’s system provides a pathway to help you remain in the country and continue working.

Remember:

Acting quickly and staying informed gives you the best chance to continue your career and life in Ireland.