Govt considers 'green card' scheme
The Government is reportedly planning to introduce a "green card" scheme for foreign workers as part of reform of the work permit system.
Reports this morning said the move was included in an Employment Permits Bill presented to the cabinet this week by Enterprise Minister Micheal Martin.
The reports said the "green cards" would only be issued to skilled workers in sectors where shortages of staff have been identified. The Minister for Enterprise will be responsible for setting quotas and other limits on the scheme.
This morning's reports said the existing work permits system would also be retained under the proposed new legislation but measures would be introduced in an effort to address concerns about the exploitation of workers under that scheme.
