Ireland has unveiled a new long-term blueprint that will gradually increase the minimum salaries required for migrant workers, marking one of the most significant updates to the country’s employment permit system in recent years. The plan, known as the Roadmap for Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR), outlines incremental salary adjustments stretching from March 2026 through 2030.

The MAR threshold represents the lowest annual pay employers must offer to non-EEA workers before they can secure or renew an employment permit. An accompanying hourly rate must also be met, ensuring that employers adhere not only to annual salary rules but also to fair wage distribution.

According to the Government, this phased approach aims to strike a careful balance: maintaining Ireland’s global competitiveness while ensuring fair treatment and better protection for migrant workers. It also signals an end to the exceptionally low thresholds that have long existed in sectors such as agriculture, food production, and care services.

What Changes Take Effect From 1 March 2026?

Beginning March 1, the first wave of salary increases will be implemented across key permit categories. These include:

• General Employment Permits: Minimum annual pay will rise from €34,000 to €36,605.

• Critical Skills Employment Permits: Salaries will increase from €38,000 to €40,904.

• Roles in meat processing, horticulture, healthcare assistance, and home care: Thresholds will climb from €30,000 to €32,691.

  
  
  

• Recent graduates: A new, lower starting threshold will apply to ease their entry into Ireland’s workforce.

These updates follow a comprehensive review of the 2023 two-year salary-increase plan. The Government received more than 150 submissions from businesses, unions, advocacy groups, and current permit holders, prompting a redesign to avoid overly rapid changes that could destabilize industries already burdened by rising costs and global economic uncertainty.

A Slower, More Measured Approach Until 2030

Instead of concluding the salary increases by 2026 as previously planned, the new roadmap spreads the adjustments over a longer period ending in 2030. Officials argue this timeline gives employers — particularly those in low-margin sectors — time to adapt while ensuring migrant workers’ earnings keep pace with national income growth.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke emphasized that Ireland needs to remain an attractive destination for global talent, especially in high-demand fields like healthcare, construction, and technology. “These changes are designed to protect workers while giving industries room to adjust,” he said, adding that the roadmap provides “sufficient time for all sectors to prepare.”

Minister of State Alan Dillon echoed the sentiment, noting that migrant workers “bring essential skills and cultural diversity that enrich Irish society.” He said the roadmap ensures that salary thresholds rise steadily in line with average earnings, reinforcing Ireland’s commitment to fair work practices while preserving workforce stability.

Criticism From Trade Unions

Not everyone is satisfied. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has argued that the revised increases fall short of what was previously promised.

ICTU social policy officer Laura Bambrick said the general employment permit threshold will increase by 7.6%, far below the earlier proposed 14.7% surge. Critical skills permits will rise by 7.6% instead of the almost 16% expected.

She warned that dialing back the increases risks maintaining a flow of “cheap labour,” potentially widening the gap between migrant workers and their families and applying downward pressure on wages in already low-paid sectors.

Why This Roadmap Matters

Ireland continues to rely on economic migration to fill genuine skills shortages, not replace local workforce development. The Government insists that employment permits are a medium-term solution — not a substitute for training and upskilling residents.

The new MAR roadmap is essentially an attempt to balance three competing priorities:
protecting workers, supporting industry, and maintaining economic competitiveness. With gradual rollouts, stakeholder input, and sector-specific considerations, officials believe the system will be more sustainable for both employers and employees.

FAQ

1. What is the MAR salary threshold?
It is the minimum annual pay an employer must offer to a non-EEA worker to obtain or renew an employment permit.

2. When do the new salary increases begin?
The first phase starts 1 March 2026, with additional increases continuing until 2030.

3. Which sectors are most affected?
Healthcare, construction, agri-food, home care, meat processing, and roles covered under General and Critical Skills Employment Permits.

4. Why is the Government phasing the increases?
To avoid sudden cost shocks for businesses while ensuring fair wages and sustainable migration policies.

5. Why are unions criticizing the plan?
They argue the increases are lower than previously proposed and risk sustaining low-wage conditions.