144 WORK PERMITS have been issued to non-EU nationals to work in the Health Service Executive so far this year, more than any other employer.
Google ranks in second place in the list with Facebook and Intel also making the top 10 according to information compiled by Visafirst.com.
The migration agents put the figures together after the Government recently announced new measures that made it easier for skilled workers from abroad to work in Ireland.
Visafirst.com say that in the last six months there were 1,802 work permits granted to employers to enable them bring employees here.
The new legislation means that certain skills which are identified as being in short supply will be identified and applicants from abroad will be able to apply for these under a new permit.
Edwina Shanahan of Visafirst.com says that the high number of visa applications has meant that the Government was required to act to streamline the process, something she welcomed:
India has been granted the most work permits for Ireland at 34% followed by the USA at 15%. Other countries which featured prominently include Pakistan, China, Brazil, the Philippines, Israel, Turkey, Russia, Japan and Canada.
The minimum salary requirement has also been changed to a minimum remuneration requirement, allowing for health insurance be taken into account.
Shanahan says that all the changes have reduced visa wait times down to three weeks from five to six weeks previously.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say