Systemic Exploitation of Migrant Workers in Ireland, Report Finds

A new report from the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) reveals widespread and systemic breaches of employment rights experienced by migrant workers across Ireland. The findings, based on a survey of over 1,000 employment permit holders, paint a troubling picture of underpayment, excessive working hours, harassment, and denial of basic rights.

Key Findings of the MRCI Report

The MRCI report, titled “Tied to Exploitation: The Experience of Migrant Workers in Ireland,” highlights several key areas of concern:

• Discrimination: Over a third of respondents reported being treated less favorably than colleagues due to their employment permit status.
• Excessive Hours: More than a quarter of those surveyed reported working excessive hours.
• Breaks and Premiums: Similar proportions were denied proper breaks and Sunday premium pay.
• Harassment and Abuse: Almost a quarter of respondents experienced harassment, verbal or physical abuse at work.
• Overall Exploitation: 71% of general employment permit holders experienced some form of exploitation, while 61% experienced severe exploitation – defined as repeated or multiple serious employment rights breaches.
• Fear of Reporting: Just over half of those who were exploited did not report it, primarily due to fear of losing their job or permit.
• Lack of Resolution: Of those who did report issues to their employer, only 9% saw a positive resolution, with 61% receiving no resolution and 19% experiencing retaliation, threats, or dismissal.

Workers’ Experiences

The report includes firsthand accounts of exploitation. One anonymous respondent stated, “I worked 70 to 80 hours a week with no proper breaks. If you took a 15-minute break you would be in trouble.” Another shared, “The company I worked for was always bringing up the fact I hold a work permit to force me to do all sort of illegal things, such as 12 hours shifts with no break.”

Calls for Systemic Change

MRCI is urging the Irish Government to address the systemic issues contributing to the exploitation of migrant workers. Their primary recommendation is to grant all employment permit holders the freedom to change jobs after two years, rather than the current five-year restriction. This change, they argue, would empower workers to leave exploitative situations.

Current Regulations and MRCI’s Concerns

While the Government announced changes in 2024 allowing some work permit holders to change employers after a specified period, MRCI contends these provisions are too restrictive, limiting movement to the exact same job type for the full five-year permit duration.

MRCI’s Additional Recommendations

In addition to reforming the employment permit system, MRCI is calling for:

• The introduction of a new criminal offense for severe exploitation.
• A ban on exploitative employers from applying for future employment permits.

About the MRCI Survey

The survey, conducted between July 2025 and February 2026, included 1,019 respondents representing 58 nationalities across major employment sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, transport, and construction. MRCI defines exploitation as at least one substantial employment rights breach, and severe exploitation as at least two breaches, or a repeated instance of a single breach.

Resources and Support

The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) is a national organization advocating for the rights of migrant workers and their families. They provide information, advocacy, and assistance on social welfare entitlements. MRCI can be reached via:

• Phone: 083 075 5387 / 01 889 7570
• Email: info@mrci.ie
• Website: https://www.mrci.ie/

MRCI’s office is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19 regulations, but they continue to provide support through their webform, email, and phone.