Tied to Exploitation

The survey, conducted between July 2025 and February 2026, is representative of the estimated 38,000 general employment permit holders in Ireland and covers 58 nationalities across all major employment sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, transport and construction.

The findings paint a deeply troubling picture where workers are routinely underpaid, overworked, harassed and denied basic rights, with many feeling powerless to speak out due to their dependency on a single employer for both their income and immigration status.

MRCI on 23rd March 2026 launched a landmark survey of over 1,000 employment permit holders, exposing systemic and widespread exploitation of migrant workers across Ireland and calling on government to urgently reform the permit system.

Read Full Report

Key Findings:

71%

71% of general employment permit holders experienced exploitation in employment.

35%

35% of permit holders paid recruitment fees – averaging €5,476, with some paying up to €21,175.

61%

61% experienced severe exploitation – meaning repeated or multiple serious employment rights breaches.

Of those who raised an issue with their employer, only 9% had it resolved positively, with 61% reporting no resolution and 19% experiencing retaliation, threats or dismissal.

51%

51% of those who were exploited did not report it – primarily out of fear of losing their job or permit.

50%

Only 50% of workers were aware they could urgently leave exploitative employment.