Irish Invasion: What it means for HR

Almost 8,000 Irish workers will get two-year work visas to Canada this year, with many headed for the regions most in need of skilled employees.

14 Mar. 2014

The first round of visas released yesterday were snapped up in just 11 minutes, making 3,850 young Irish people very happy and disappointing many others.

The new 24-month visas to Canada are expected to overtake Australia in the coming years as the destination of choice for Irish people looking for work and adventure.

Hundreds of Irish tradespeople have relocated to Calgary in recent years, where low unemployment, high wages and job security are some of the draws as the local energy industry tries to reduce the worker shortage they have there.

Many also head for Toronto and Vancouver, looking for work in Canada's biggest cities.I

In total there will be 7,700 Working Holiday Visas, with another 3,850 will be released at a date yet to be announced.

For HR this means an increase in Irish applications to job postings so it may be worth familiarizing yourself with some of the top universities and tertiary programs in your industry.

Irish labour law gives a minimum of four weeks vacation time, so your Irish hires may be unpleasantly shocked if your organization offers just two weeks. If you're competing for skilled labour, consider whether you can adjust your policy or whether there is enough leniency to offer unpaid vacation days.