Ireland: Information session on the right to work of asylum seekers

Asylum seekers may be granted right to work in Ireland after 9 months

Asylum seekers in Ireland could be granted the right to work after 9 months according to recommandations of a working group on ways to improving the asylum system in Ireland. The recommendations of the working group report could have a far-reaching impact on the lives of more than 4,000 people in the direct provision system and a further 4,000 asylum seekers living in the wider community. At present, Ireland is one of just two EU member states with a blanket working ban on all asylum seekers.The report is expected to propose that new asylum seekers should have the right to work after nine months of seeking refugee status.

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.