Counting the Cost, Barriers to employment after Direct Provision in Ireland

In the report 'Counting the Cost, Barriers to Employment after Direct Provision' (May 2014) the Irish Refugee Council evaluates the negative consequences (based on interviews with refugees) for the Irish society and refugees of prolonged stays in the Direct provision system while being deprived from the right to work. 

Among other recommendations (p.38-41) the reports highlights that permission to work should be granted to asylum seekers within a period of maximum six month after the lodging of their protection claim. 

The Irish Refugee Council also recommends that specific support to find a job (through a mentoring scheme) should be given to refugees who have left the Direct provision system and were unable to find a job 12 months after. The report also pledges that special courses (on for example how to become self-employed and guidance on how to access financial support) should be provided to refugees going out of the Direct provision system to facilitate their integration in the job market.