Few asylum seekers to benefit from work green light

Despite a Supreme Court ruling that the ban on asylum seekers working is unconstitutional, Bishop Kevin Doran has warned that the Government’s minimalist approach to the ruling will mean very few people in direct provision will benefit.

Bishop Kevin Doran welcomed the court’s decision, but said it was “disappointing” that the Government’s interim arrangement puts so many limits on the employment prospects of asylum seekers.

“With such a minimalist response to the Supreme Court judgement, very few asylum seekers will actually benefit from the judgement. This does not reflect the equality of dignity or the compassion which is so often promoted as a core value of our society in Ireland,” the Elphin bishop said.

The current scheme requires those in direct provision to pay €500 to €1,000 for six to 12-month employment permits respectively. This is despite asylum seekers having a weekly allowance of just €21.60.

Employers can only hire someone in direct provision if they can’t find a suitable candidate from Ireland or the EU. In addition asylum seekers can only work in a job that pays at least €30,000 a year – which points to the scheme focusing on only highly skilled people.

Application

Shepherd Machayah has been in a direct provision centre in Portlaoise for two years, and was recently successful in his application to DCU’s University of Sanctuary scholarship programme.

“In one way it’s great news, in another, it’s not. For example what they are saying is the job you are applying for should be €30,000 a year. You’re not supposed to just go out and get any job and work, no,” he told The Irish Catholic.

Mr Machayah is currently studying Management of Information Technology and Information Systems, and said: “I’m starting university now, if I manage to do well – if I get a job, what is the entry point salary? Some jobs could be less than €30,000 with a degree.”

Asylum seekers will also not be allowed to work in over 60 areas including social work, childcare, hospitality, healthcare, housekeeping, sales, administration, printing, housekeeping and food.

The Department of Justice has described it as a temporary measure remaining for four months until a EU directive is fully implemented and a work-permit scheme is drawn up.

See page 13.