Migrant Workers in Ireland: Exploitation & Rights Breaches Revealed | MRCI Report 2026

MRCI Report Highlights Widespread Rights Breaches for Migrant Workers in Ireland

The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) has issued a stark warning regarding the systemic and widespread breaches of employment rights experienced by migrant workers across Ireland. A new report, “Tied to Exploitation: The Experience of Migrant Workers in Ireland,” details findings from a survey of over 1,000 employment permit holders, revealing a deeply troubling pattern of underpayment, excessive working hours, harassment, and denial of basic rights. The report underscores the vulnerability of migrant workers tied to a single employer for their income and immigration status.

Key Findings from the MRCI Report

The MRCI survey paints a concerning picture of working conditions for migrants in Ireland. More than a third of respondents reported being treated less favorably than their Irish colleagues due to their employment permit status. A significant 26% reported consistently working excessive hours, whereas similar proportions were denied proper breaks or the legally mandated Sunday premium pay. Alarmingly, almost a quarter of those surveyed experienced some form of harassment, including verbal or physical abuse, in the workplace.

The data reveals a high prevalence of exploitation. According to the study, 71% of general employment permit holders experienced some form of exploitation, defined by MRCI as at least one substantial employment rights breach. Even more concerning, 61% reported severe exploitation – meaning repeated or multiple serious breaches of employment rights. This highlights a pattern beyond isolated incidents, suggesting a systemic issue within the employment permit system.

Fear of Retribution Silences Many

A significant barrier to addressing these issues is the fear of reprisal. Just over half of those who experienced exploitation did not report it, primarily due to concerns about losing their job or their right to remain in Ireland. Among those who did attempt to address the issues with their employer, a mere 9% saw a positive resolution. A substantial 61% received no resolution at all, and 19% reported experiencing retaliation, threats, or even dismissal after raising concerns. These statistics demonstrate the power imbalance inherent in the current system and the risks faced by migrant workers who attempt to assert their rights.

One anonymous respondent to the survey described working “70 to 80 hours a week with no proper breaks,” adding that even a 15-minute break could result in reprimand. Another stated that their employer “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.” These firsthand accounts underscore the severity of the exploitation experienced by migrant workers.

Calls for Systemic Reform

The MRCI is advocating for significant changes to the employment permit system to address these issues. Their primary recommendation is to grant all employment permit holders the freedom to change jobs after two years, rather than the current five-year tie to a single employer. This reform, they argue, would empower workers to leave exploitative situations and seek better employment opportunities without jeopardizing their immigration status. You can find more information about Ireland’s employment permits on the Irish Immigration Service website.

While the Government announced changes in 2024 allowing certain work permit holders to change employers after a specified period, MRCI contends that these provisions are too restrictive. Currently, movement is only permitted to the exact same job type for the full five-year permit duration, limiting workers’ options and potentially trapping them in exploitative situations.

What MRCI Director Neil Bruton Says

“If you are a general employment permit holder in Ireland, then more likely than not you have been exploited at some point,” stated Neil Bruton, MRCI Director. “This represents not a problem affecting a small number of rogue employers – it is a systemic failure of the employment permit system.” Bruton emphasized the fear that prevents workers from speaking out, stating, “Workers are afraid to speak up because their job and their right to remain in Ireland depends on their employer. The system must change so that people can stand up for themselves more easily.”

Further Recommendations to the Government

Beyond reforming the employment permit system, MRCI is calling for the introduction of a new criminal offense specifically targeting severe exploitation of workers. They also recommend banning employers found to be engaging in exploitative practices from applying for future employment permits, creating a stronger deterrent against abuse. These proposals aim to strengthen legal protections for migrant workers and hold exploitative employers accountable.

Survey Methodology and Definitions

The MRCI survey, conducted between July 2025 and February 2026, encompassed 1,019 individuals representing 58 nationalities across key employment sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, transport, and construction. The report clearly defines its terms: exploitation is defined as at least one substantial employment rights breach, while severe exploitation is defined as at least two breaches, or a single breach occurring repeatedly or consistently. Understanding these definitions is crucial for interpreting the survey findings accurately.

The ongoing debate surrounding family reunification for migrant workers adds another layer of complexity to this issue. As reported by VisaHQ, migrant workers recently rallied at Leinster House to demand faster family reunification rules, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges faced by those separated from their families. This issue is further explored in an opinion piece by The Journal, which details how Ireland’s current family reunion policy is forcing parents and children apart.

The MRCI report serves as a critical call to action, urging the Irish government to address the systemic vulnerabilities within the employment permit system and protect the rights of migrant workers. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all workers in Ireland. Further information on rights breaches faced by migrant workers can be found on the MRCI website.