Following a meeting of the Congress Global Solidarity Committee today, International Development Officer David Joyce said yesterday's decision by the Supreme Court in the case of NHV v Minister for Justice and Equality on the right of an individual living in direct provision to earn a livelihood brought some welcome clarity to the situation. The Supreme Court ruled that, in circumstances where there is no time limit on the asylum process, the absolute prohibition on seeking employment under the Refugee Act 1996 is contrary to the constitutional right to seek employment.
"It has been Congress policy for almost 20 years that that the right to work for asylum-seekers is essential for a number of reasons, including adequate income, a sense of worth and human dignity, interaction with local communities and challenging stereotypes to which they are subjected. Congress believes the current situation is totally unacceptable and reiterates its demand that the right to work is extended to all asylum seekers within six months of their original application. Eligibility to attend ETB courses and the right to English language classes to prepare people for the job market should also be extended to asylum seekers," Mr Joyce said.
