Indians lead foreign nationals obtaining PPS numbers as employment opportunities drive growth
Indian nationals are arriving in Ireland in record numbers for work and study, contradicting false social media narratives claiming the country is hostile to Indian immigrants, according to new figures from the Department of Social Protection.
Indians topped all foreign nationalities in obtaining PPS (Personal Public Service) numbers through August 2025, with 13,281 Indians securing the essential identification number required for employment and accessing services. This represents 9% of the 148,805 new PPS numbers issued during the period, the highest proportion among non-Irish nationals in recent years.
The data directly contradicts social media propaganda circulating in Kerala claiming Ireland is unwelcoming to Indians. Irish employers are actively seeking more Indian workers, and projections suggest at least 25,000 Indians will obtain PPS numbers by year’s end.
Irish citizens accounted for 42,678 PPS numbers (28% of total issuances), though the proportion of Irish nationals obtaining PPS numbers has declined steadily over two decades. The increase in non-Irish births—now 30% of all births nationwide—contributes significantly to PPS number growth.
Students Drive Migration
Indians represent 16% of approximately 40,000 new third-level students nationwide (7,000-8,000 students), making them the largest international student group. Other major cohorts include China (4,000), Nigeria (2,500), and Brazil (1,500).
Total English language student arrivals in 2024 reached 128,761—more than double 2019 figures. EU/EEA students numbered 92,030, with 45,759 Italians registered, though only 6,968 Italian citizens obtained PPS numbers, indicating many were on short-term courses.
Brazilian student numbers are growing rapidly, with 9,655 PPS numbers issued by August’s end and 2,123 work permits granted to Brazilian nationals.
Refugee Numbers Declining
Contrary to public perception, refugees account for a declining proportion of new arrivals. Only 24% of PPS numbers issued to the top 12 nationalities went to asylum seekers—13,714 people representing 9.25% of total issuances in the first eight months.
International protection applications dropped 41% compared to 2024, falling from 14,022 to just 5,763 in the same period. Combined refugee and Ukrainian arrivals in 2024 totaled 28,799, representing 12.5% of new PPS numbers.
The statistics reveal that work, study, family reunification, and dependents of work permit holders—not refugees—drive immigration patterns. Mainstream media reports suggesting Ireland is unwelcoming to Indians have been contradicted by employment data and employer demand for Indian workers.