The number of migrant workers seeking recognition for their foreign education qualifications has increased eight-fold in the past three years, it emerged today.
People from 70 different nationalities applied to the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) to have their qualifications recognised.
Around 47 per cent of the applications came from nationals from new EU Member States and the Russian Federation.
"If migrant workers are to secure jobs in Ireland that match their experience and qualifications and continue to contribute positively to the Irish economy, it is essential that their foreign qualifications can be verified and recognised by Irish employers," Claire Byrne, director of corporate affairs at the NQAI, said.
Over 180 representatives from Fás, unions, educational institutions and migrant bodies at a Dublin-based conference were today told the demand from migrant workers for official recognition of their foreign qualifications was expected to increase a further 100 per cent this year.
Ms Byrne said: "In the absence of an EU-wide recognition programme, it is vital that Irish employers, educational institutions and migrant bodies all work together to further develop the recognition system in Ireland and ensure that Ireland is benefiting from the skills of migrant workers."
PA