Employment

Employment not only ensures financial stability but also fosters a sense of purpose and belonging, strengthening community connections and facilitating smoother integration into the host country.

The Irish Refugee Council has consistently advocated for people seeking protection to be allowed to work. In May 2018, the Supreme Court of Ireland declared that the Irish government’s decision to ban people from working indefinitely was unconstitutional. In January 2021, the number of months people had to wait to apply for permission to work was reduced from nine months then to six months.

The challenges faced by people seeking protection include the lack of knowledge about the Irish labour market and recruitment processes, non-recognition of prior work experience and qualifications, and limited English language skills pose a significant challenge to finding work often. The experience of ‘institutionalisation’ under the Direct Provision system, lack of sufficient childcare support and inadequate public transport for people living in remote areas. Our Employment team provides tailored support to help people navigate these challenges and supports our employment-related advocacy work.

Employment Support

Through our employment programme, we empower refugees and people seeking protection to gain employment through outreach, information sessions, training, casework, mentoring and referrals to overcome barriers to entering and retaining employment.

We help people understand:

Their entitlements, Labour Market Access permission and refugees (including persons with refugee status, subsidiary protection, leave to remain and family reunification beneficiaries) to work in Ireland.
Requirements needed for employment, such as opening a bank account, getting your qualifications recognised, and registering with professional regulators
How much tax they can expect to pay, and to explain how to register with Revenue (the tax office)
Their employment rights and entitlements; and how to make an employment-related complaint
Where else they can get assistance in preparing for and finding employment around Ireland

Our Impact in 2023

148 women enrolled for the Integration From Day One programme
98 women completed the programme and 15 of them received individual support.
120 women compared to 105 in 2022 received individual employment coaching.
354 women compared to 30 in 2022 enrolled for upskilling programmes.
27 women progressed to sustainable employment
50 women compared to 12 supported to secure internships.
9 partnerships with employers secured.

Download 2022 Impact Report

Email Employment

Our Employment work is currently funded by LinkedIn and Bank of Ireland.

Learn more about this work below.

Employment Guide

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