Migration Key Driver of Labour Force Growth in Ireland Since 2020
Migration Continues to Drive Labour Market Growth in Ireland, Despite Rising Emigration Among Women and Youth
Ireland’s labour market recorded strong performance in 2024, with 2.78 million people employed by the end of the year—an increase of 70,000 workers compared to 2023. This growth, according to Irish Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, marks another robust year for the country’s economy.
Net Migration Surges Amid Rising Emigration of Women and Young People
While net migration reached 79,300 in 2024, driving much of the growth in the labour force, a concerning trend of outward migration—particularly among women and younger individuals—has also emerged.
According to the report “Recent Trends in Migration Flows Impacting the Irish Labour Market”, female emigration increased by 56% between 2020 and 2024, while male emigration rose by only 12% in the same period. Two key factors are believed to contribute to this trend:
- A desire among younger individuals to live and work abroad
- The rising cost of accommodation within Ireland
Foreign Workers Filling Labour Market Gaps
Meanwhile, the number of employment permits issued to non-EU nationals has doubled since pre-pandemic levels in 2022, with the majority of foreign workers coming from India, the Philippines, and Brazil. India alone accounted for over one-third of all permits issued, followed by Brazil and the Philippines.
The most popular destinations for these foreign workers within Ireland include:
- Dublin – 53% of all permits issued
- Cork – 8%
- Kildare – 5%
- Limerick – 4%
These numbers underline the importance of international labour in supporting Ireland’s growing economy while also highlighting challenges the country faces in retaining domestic talent, especially among women and younger generations.
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