There will no longer be restrictions on Bulgarian and Romanian nationals entering the Irish workforce. The Irish Government decision is effective as from 1 January 2012 and will be applied (retrospectively where necessary) to all 2012 applications. Following the accession of these states to the EU in 2007, Ireland opted to restrict access to the labour market as was permitted by the 7-year transition period. Nevertheless, since 2007 Ireland has relaxed the work permit rules relating to certain categories of Bulgarians and Romanians, for example, students and self-employed persons. The Government’s recent decision means that the work permit requirement has been abolished entirely for all Bulgarian and Romanian workers.
Contributed by Claire Waterson.
