In a historic demonstration, Migrant Nurses Ireland rallied around 200 healthcare assistants from across the country to march in front of the Irish Parliament. The protest, the largest expatriate gathering in front of the Parliament, called for a fair increase in healthcare assistants’ salaries to enable them to bring their families to Ireland. The demonstrators also demanded amendments to work permit rules and sought consideration for critical skills permits.
Migrant Nurses Ireland had previously presented these demands to MPs and the Speaker, prompting the government to change the requirement for healthcare educational qualifications, eliminating the need for the QQI level 5 course. However, the issue of family visa denials remained unresolved.
Prominent figures, including MPs, addressed the protest, assuring the demonstrators of their continued support in Parliament. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar also pledged to investigate the matter. The demonstration received extensive coverage from Ireland’s major media outlets, further emphasizing the pressing need for change.