As one of the world's most open economies, Ireland is becoming increasingly attractive to foreign workers. The island nation's assets include double-digit growth and hiring sectors. Let's look at what makes it one of the most attractive countries in Europe for building a career.
Ireland: A new power in Europe
The country may not yet be on par with the major English-speaking countries, but it is gaining valuable points with prospective expatriates. A recent study by Indeed ranks the country as the 3rd most attractive country in the European Union (EU) for international job seekers. Globally, Ireland ranks 15th. Apart from Ireland, only Luxembourg and Austria made it into the top 15. In fact, Luxembourg tops the list with growing interest from 72.3% of international job seekers. Oman (51.7%) and Switzerland (40.9%) rank 2nd and 3rd. Austria recorded a job search rate of 18.3% and Ireland 11.1%.
English-speaking countries are becoming increasingly attractive in the eyes of foreign professionals. Including Ireland, there are 5 in the top 15. English-speaking countries with major labor shortages are particularly sought-after by foreign workers. Searches for the UK, Canada and Australia are on the rise, with increases of +64%, +74%, and even +141% for Australia. On the other hand, job searches within the EU did not show a spectacular increase. The study's authors believe that the EU is currently struggling to establish itself as an attractive region for employment.
Ireland's assets at a glance
Ireland has been called "resilient" and "Europe's savior". Indeed, Ireland's economic growth could make other struggling European economies pale in comparison. The island nation has successfully weathered the fallout from Brexit, Covid-19, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The UK's exit from the European Common Market strengthened Ireland's economic partnerships with the continent, particularly with France, its closest neighbor. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the exceptional growth of companies in the pharmaceutical and digital sectors has enabled Ireland to maintain a GDP of 5.9% in 2020 and 13.5% in 2021.
Technically at full employment, the country is hiring professionals in various fields, such as engineering and science, information and communications technology (ICT), finance, education, healthcare and construction. In short, there are many sectors and career opportunities for foreign job seekers. However, economists point out that Ireland's strong figures are primarily due to the presence of multinational companies on its territory. The Irish government is well aware that its economy is driven by exports., and is working on a scheme to reduce its dependence on exports.
For their part, international job seekers are seduced by the economic dynamism of an economically and culturally open country. Indeed's report also shows that the search for foreign workers is the strongest in countries with large cultural diasporas. Ireland's warm welcome to Ukrainian refugees may explain why the country ranks so highly among Ukrainians who have not yet left their country. For its part, the government is determined to maintain and enhance the country's international appeal.
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