The occupation of social worker was added to the Critical Skills Occupation List (CSOL) via the Employment Permits (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations from 27 October 2021.
The 2021 Regulations removed dispensing opticians and a wide range of occupations in the construction sector from the Ineligible Occupations List (IOL). They also made changes to the quotas in respect of the following occupations:
• New General Employment Permit quotas for 1,000 Horticulture Operatives, 500 Meat Deboners, 1,500 Meat Processing operatives and 100 Dairy Farm Assistants.
• New General Employment Permit quota of 100 for equine Work Riders.
• 350 General Employment permits for hospitality managers with a relevant qualification in hospitality management plus 5 years’ experience in the sector.
• Quota to be removed for HGV driver work permits.
