NGO calls for asylum seekers to be allowed to work after six months

The NGO today published a policy paper which it said would help to inform the Government’s response to a landmark Supreme Court decision on the right of asylum seekers to look for work.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan plans to convene an inter-departmental working group to examine the implications of the ruling.

Nick Henderson, IRC CEO, said: “We strongly recommend that people are given access to the labour market if they have been waiting for six months for a decision on their protection application.

“No restrictions should be applied and people should be free to work in any sector or profession and be self-employed. The right should apply to new applicants and also to people to whom the transitional provisions of the International Protection Act 2015 apply.

“Permission should immediately commence at six months and not be subject to a further application process.”

Mr Henderson (pictured) added: “Against a backdrop of delays in decision making at first instance in Ireland, the importance of granting the right to work has become even more acute.

“We understand that a person who applied for asylum today may not be interviewed for approximately 18 months. This is unacceptable and contrary to the narrative that decision making is speeding up.

“Refugee status determination is a critically important function of the State and the International Protection Office should be fully resourced and supported as a matter of priority.”