Press & Media

RIS welcomes extension of period for migrants to find work

31.8.2009

 

The Refugee Information Service (RIS) has praised the decision of government to extend the period of time allowed for migrant workers to find new employment after losing their jobs.


Josephine Ahern, CEO said: “Allowing certain migrant workers who have lived in the State for under five years and who possess a valid work permit to be given six months to find a new job if they are made redundant, is a step forward by government in terms of tackling the growing unemployment problem in Ireland although it will still be difficult for individuals in this circumstance to find work given the prevailing economic realities. 


 
Ms Ahern said: “the RIS has always maintained that because the country is in a difficult economic period we cannot simply be insensitive to Non-EEA permit holders who are made redundant. These are people comprising 1.5 per cent of the Irish labour force and who have chosen to live here and to invest in Ireland’s economy and in our communities”.


Ms Ahern said: “This new rule will impact positively on the lives of these people who earlier in the year were unsure as to their continued stay in Ireland following changes to work permit applications as previously announced by government”.
 
Note to Editors
About the Refugee Information Service (RIS)
The RIS specializes in the areas of international protection and the integration of migrants in Ireland. It provides specialist information, advice, advocacy and referral services for people who seek asylum and refugee status in Ireland.

 

Operational since 1998, the RIS works with individuals and families, and with government, the private sector, international and other non-government agencies to ensure that once a person has refugee status, they are able to access their legal rights and entitlements, including reunification with their families. The RIS also provides a nationwide training service and conducts research to influence policy and legislation.

 

Contact: Femi Atoyebi, on 01 645 3087; Refugee Information Service (RIS), 1st and 2nd Floors, 18 Dame Street ,Dublin 2 or femi@ris.ie