The Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) has warned that Ireland’s economic growth could suffer in the coming years if the government continues to pursue restrictive migration policies while failing to address administrative challenges affecting migrant workers.
The warning was delivered during the seventh annual National Migrant Inclusion Conference, where speakers highlighted the crucial role migrants play in supporting Ireland’s economy, public services, and workforce. The conference heard that both national and international studies consistently show that migration is essential for sustaining economic growth and addressing labor shortages across key sectors.
Recent figures published by Ireland’s Central Statistics Office (CSO) revealed the growing importance of migrant workers in the country’s labor market. According to the data, migrant workers accounted for 61.4 percent of all employment growth between 2019 and 2024, while non-Irish nationals represented 27.5 percent of the total workforce in 2024.
Despite these contributions, the Immigrant Council argued that government migration policies have become increasingly restrictive and disproportionate. The organization said that while public debate and legislative efforts are heavily focused on asylum seekers, who make up only a small portion of Ireland’s migrant population, many working migrants continue to face significant challenges when accessing immigration services.
Immigrant Council CEO Teresa Buczkowska said that although deportations are necessary in certain circumstances, the government is spending substantial resources on removals while failing to adequately invest in administrative systems that support legally employed migrants already living and working in Ireland.
One of the major concerns raised at the conference was the growing backlog in processing Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards. Migrant workers currently face waiting periods of up to 16 weeks for permit renewals, while applications can only be submitted 12 weeks before an existing permit expires.
This has created a gap where many workers are left without valid documentation proving their right to live and work in Ireland. As a result, employers may become reluctant to continue employment arrangements, putting valuable workers at risk of losing their jobs despite having legal status.
Buczkowska warned that these delays are also affecting other aspects of migrants’ lives. Mortgage applications, home purchases, and financial transactions have reportedly been disrupted because individuals cannot provide valid immigration documents while waiting for renewals. In addition, visa-required nationals face difficulties traveling abroad for family emergencies or medical treatment due to uncertainty surrounding their immigration status.
According to the Immigrant Council, these challenges are encouraging some skilled migrant workers to consider opportunities in other countries. The organization warned that if the trend continues, Ireland could face serious economic consequences as businesses struggle to fill labor shortages and retain experienced workers.
Buczkowska also criticized what she described as increasingly divisive rhetoric surrounding migration. She argued that migration remains essential to Ireland’s functioning and that political discussions should reflect the reality of migrants’ contributions rather than fueling social divisions.
Responding to the concerns, Ireland’s Department of Justice acknowledged that processing delays for residence permits have caused frustration among applicants. The department stated that efforts are underway to increase processing capacity, including assigning additional staff and implementing measures designed to reduce waiting times.
Officials said the Registration Office within Immigration Service Delivery currently operates seven days a week and that most renewal applications are now processed within 12 weeks, with some categories being completed within six weeks. The department added that ongoing reforms aim to further reduce delays.
The conference also addressed broader issues of inclusion and discrimination. Irish President Catherine Connolly, who delivered the keynote address, emphasized the importance of implementing the government’s National Action Plan Against Racism. She stressed that tackling racism is a shared responsibility that requires action from individuals, communities, public institutions, and policymakers.
President Connolly highlighted the value of bringing together government representatives, civil society organizations, researchers, and migrant communities to ensure that migration policies translate into meaningful action on the ground. She also reflected on global displacement, noting that millions of people around the world continue to be affected by conflict and forced migration.
The conference concluded with calls for a more balanced migration policy that recognizes both Ireland’s economic needs and its responsibility to promote inclusion, fairness, and equal opportunities. As labor shortages continue across several sectors, migration experts and advocacy groups argue that supporting migrant workers will remain critical to Ireland’s long-term economic success and social development.