Direct Provision and right to work in Ireland

Direct Provision and right to work in Ireland Presentation by Lucky Khambule MASI

What is MASI and why? It’s the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland. Formed in October 2014 It’s an independent grassroots group formed by asylum seekers themselves. MASI’s aims are to raise awareness about DP Abolish direct provision system completely Calls for right to work for all asylum seekers without discrimination. Stop deportations. Proper access to third level education. Faster processing of asylum claims.

How does the asylum process work in Ireland? Once you arrive in Ireland claim for asylum for your protection, you are then called an asylum seeker. Your identity is taken away from you. You are not allowed to work, (New ruling from 29 June 2018) You do not have proper access to third level education You are no longer allowed to leave the country while your application is processed You are given an allowance of € 21. 60 per week

The direct provision history Direct provision was first introduced in April 2000 by then Minister for Justice and Equality. This was due to the increase of applications for asylum from 1995 to 2000 which increase to nearly 11000 per year that time. This then meant or resulted to the marginalised asylum seekers would feel powerless, Lack of freedom of movement, Lack of choice where to live, what to eat; No right to work or study More and more loneliness. 4

Deliberate isolation There are 34 direct provision centres currently operating in Ireland They are grossly isolated from society. This is a deliberate ploy to separate the group of asylum seekers away from general public thus making proper integration to be impossible. Members of the public are not allowed to visit these centres. We also believe that the system was designed to discourage the influx of applicants. (The pull factor) This is evident from the RIA (Reception and Integration Agency) numbers which drastically reduced soon after the implementation of the system. 5

The effects of DP in numbers 95 96 97 98 99 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 424 1179 3883 4626 7724 10938 10325 11634 7900 4766 4323 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 4314 3985 3866 2689 1939 1290 956 946 1448 3279 2200 6

Why Direct provision was introduced 14000 12000 Stats from RIA on new applicants per year 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Series 1

The Working Group MASI-Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland were always against the process and the formation of the working group. It lacked proper representation, but the groups that participated in the working group didn’t see anything wrong with that. The main objective was to reform the system, which was what we were against as a group of asylum seekers. We called for the participants to resign if we were not going to be the part of the process, but they all refused. We did not agree with the terms of reference which the minister imposed on the working group. The working group should have been allowed to look into alternatives to direct provision, this study has not been done yet. 8

The living conditions People are still cramped in these centres Sharing rooms with complete stranger with different backgrounds, culture and religious beliefs, not taken into consideration House rules are the order of the day. Failure to comply will result in your application being cancelled and your bed taken away from you. Children do not have playing ground. No after school care for home works etc. Intimidation of residents by staff and management. Division amongst residents caused by management. 9

The money issues Justice minister writes according to Journal. ie 2014. . . Justice department spends about € 150 million p/y. From 2005 to 2009 Government spent more than € 1. 27 Billion on asylum seekers. € 424 million was spent on direct provision during this time. The estimate spend this year (2014) alone is at € 150 million. The 2015 yearly report is still pending. Refer also to the 2015 direct provision procurement report. 10

It’s a business A small group of business owners keep winning the tenders to house asylum seekers every year. Millions of Euros go the same people month in month out. No clear public tender process is followed for equal opportunities for all Irish people. The longer the system exist, the richer these few individuals get. Some other groups have also benefited from the system in the name of helping asylum seekers. 11

Support and solidarity We welcome to support we receive from the political community, the TDs around the country have come out in support. We also well come the support and partnership with organisations such as ADI, UCC, ARN, CIT, UCD, IHN, RAMSI, ISW and many others. 12

Direct action in 2014 The frustrations from the residents that have been building up for years led to various centres embark on protests. One most noted the Kinsale road residents locked management and staff out for 10 days. There comes a point where residents feel enough is enough. 13

Cork Centre 2014 Protest

Challenges with IPA and it’s effects on applicants Early access to legal assistance is key to applicants. Applicants must complete 60 pages long forms. 20 days deadline issued causing more frustrations to the people. MASI challenged this date as we saw it as unfair to the people. Applicants could not get the appointments in time with legal aid board. Have to include the leave to remain application together with the refugee application. The family reunification change in the new act. MASI’s intervention to help the asylum seekers.

The EU directive 0 f 2013 Signed by Minister Allan Shatter 26 June 2013 It included the right to work, but nothing was done. 2015 Working recommended that the government should opt to this directive This was still ignored. May 2017 Supreme Court ruled that the total ban was unconstitutional. Government given 6 months to comply. Introduction of the interim scheme in February March government opted for the EU directive 27 June announcement of the new right to work.

Right to work as of 29 th June 2018 The first instance refusal. 9 months waiting period. Delays must not be attributed to the applicant. 6 months renewal Final stage appeals and withdrawal of the permit The 12 weeks after employment. Income assessment and payment in DP Training and education. 17

What kids are saying in DP and housing

Help to Support Dayo’s Education

A quote on solidarity “If you come here to help me, you are wasting your time, But if you have come because your liberation is entangled with mine, then we can talk and work together” From the words of Lilla Watson - Australia 20