New regulations allowing asylum seekers work in limited circumstances, coming into force on Friday, were a “horrific joke” and “extremely disappointing”, a protest outside Leinster House heard on Thursday. About 150 people gathered to support a call, made by asylum seeker and migrants groups, for an unrestricted right to work for asylum seekers. From Friday, under a “temporary measure” asylum seekers can apply for an employment permit under the Employment Permits Act 2003. Currently asylum seekers in direct provision have a weekly allowance of €21.60. Among those there were asylum seekers carrying placards, with such slogans as “I want to work as a care-manager”; “I want to work as a hotel worker”; and “I want to work as an architect”.

Source: The Irish Times February 08, 2018 16:18 UTC