1,850 new General Employment Permits for meat processing and dairy
Quotas of 1,000 permits for meat processing operatives and 850 for dairy farm assistants were released with effect from 17 December 2025.
The Department of Enterprise released new General Employment Permit quotas for the agri-food sector with effect from 17 December 2025: 1,000 permits for meat processing operatives and 850 for dairy farm assistants.
Why the quotas were released
The existing quotas had been fully taken up. The new allocations were in addition to the 5,425 permits made available under the agri-food pilot scheme since its introduction in May 2018.
The Department also said an action plan for the meat sector would be developed with the lead policy departments.
How quota roles work
Permits for these roles are available only while the quota remains open. Once the allocation is exhausted, applications are refused until a further quota is released, even where the employer and candidate meet the other requirements.
Employers recruiting for these roles should prepare applications early, while permits are still available under the quota.
Sources
- Ministers Burke and Dillon announce new employment permit quotas for the agri-food sector — Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment