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  • Mná nah Éireann Integration From Day One project. March 2022

    Read more

  • DLA Piper’s ‘Know Your Rights’ programme announces a partnership with Deloitte to provide paid employment for refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland

    DLA Piper’s ‘Know Your Rights’ programme announces a partnership with Deloitte to provide paid employment for refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland

    Read more

  • Whistleblowing Resources for Migrant Workers published

    Read more

  • Mná nah Éireann Integration From Day One project. March 2022
  • DLA Piper’s ‘Know Your Rights’ programme announces a partnership with Deloitte to provide paid employment for refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland
  • Whistleblowing Resources for Migrant Workers published
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  1. Home
  2. Employment

Employment

Employment not only helps to provide financial stability, it also provides a sense of purpose and belonging, nurturing connection to community 

The lack of knowledge of the Irish labour market and recruitment processes, non-recognition of prior work experience and/or qualifications, and limited English language skills pose a significant challenge to finding work often, which is compounded by the experience of ‘institutionalisation’ under the Direct Provision system. The situation for women is further exacerbated due to the lack of sufficient childcare supports.  

The right to work for people seeking protection

The Irish Refugee Council has consistently advocated for people seeking protection to be allowed to work. In May 2017 the Supreme Court of Ireland declared that the Irish government’s decision to ban indefinitely people from working was unconstitutional. In January 2021 the time a person must wait to apply for permission to work was reduced from nine months to six months.

Employment Supports 

Our Employment Guide is a step by step guide for people in the international protection system seeking employment or looking to start a business.

Employment Guide

Our dedicated Employment team work on a number of initiatives assisting people seeking protection in Ireland to overcome barriers to access employment, including our Women's Employment Programme and our Business and Entrepreneur Incubator Project, read more below. 

Our Impact in 2022

  • 240 women enrolled for the Integration From Day One programme 
  •  126 women completed the programme. 
  • 105 women received individual employment coaching. 
  • 30 women enrolled for upskilling programmes.  
  •  20 women progressed to sustainable employment 
  •  12 women supported to secure internships. 
  • 7 partnerships with employers secured. 
Download 2022 Impact Report

Email Amaka Email Mavis 

Our Employment work is supported by Rethink Ireland, the European Social Fund and Indeed. 

 

Donate to support our Employment Programme

Read more about our Employment work: 

Mná nah Éireann Integration From Day One project. March 2022

Read more

Published: 8th March, 2022

Author: Nicholas Henderson

DLA Piper’s ‘Know Your Rights’ programme announces a partnership with Deloitte to provide paid employment for refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland

DLA Piper’s ‘Know Your Rights’ programme announces a partnership with Deloitte to provide paid employment for refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland

Read more

Published: 17th February, 2022

Author: Nicholas Henderson

Whistleblowing Resources for Migrant Workers published

Read more

Published: 15th February, 2022

Author: Nicholas Henderson

International Women's Day 2021

International Women's Day 2021

Read more

Published: 8th March, 2021

Author: Nicholas Henderson

Right to Work

Right to Work

Information on employment access for people seeking protection Read more

Published: 16th April, 2020

Updated: 19th September, 2023

Author: Vikki Walshe

Women's Employment Programme

Providing women with pre-employment training, one-to-one mentoring and supported work experience Read more

Published: 6th April, 2020

Updated: 11th September, 2022

Author: Vikki Walshe

Business and Entrepreneur Incubator Project

Business and Entrepreneur Incubator Project

Supporting people in establishing businesses through training, support, resources and development Read more

Published: 5th April, 2020

Updated: 19th April, 2020

Author: Vikki Walshe

Important and welcome changes to the right to work but problematic elements remain

Important and welcome changes to the right to work but problematic elements remain

Read more

Published: 27th June, 2018

Updated: 9th April, 2020

Author: Vikki Walshe

Counting the Cost: Barriers to employment after Direct Provision

Counting the Cost: Barriers to employment after Direct Provision

An analysis of peoples experience trying to access employment after the Direct Provision system Read more

Published: 24th May, 2014

Updated: 25th November, 2022

Author: Vikki Walshe

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    Press Release: Irish Refugee Council budget submission calls for Child Benefit or equivalent payment

  • Irish Refugee Council shortlisted for Charity of the year award

    Irish Refugee Council shortlisted for Charity of the year award

  • Press Release: Irish Refugee Council budget submission calls for Child Benefit or equivalent payment

    Press Release: Irish Refugee Council budget submission calls for Child Benefit or equivalent payment

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37 Killarney Street
Dublin 1
D01 NX74

Phone: 00 353 1 764 5062
Fax: 00 353 1 672 5927
Email: [email protected]

CHY Number: 10153
Registered Charity Number: 20025724
CRO Number: 188693

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