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. 

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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: