Ireland to Charge Asylum Seekers for Accommodation Under New Government Plan
Under new proposals, Ireland plans to charge working asylum seekers for their accommodation, marking a significant policy shift in its approach to immigration. This initiative has emerged amid a surge in the number of individuals seeking asylum in the country.
New Charges for Asylum Seekers’ Accommodation
As per the proposed plan, working asylum seekers living in state-provided accommodation may pay between €15 (£13) and €238 (£208) weekly, depending on their earnings. These charges aim to alleviate the financial burden on the state while generating revenue to cover accommodation costs.
Current Asylum Seeker Situation in Ireland
- As of July 2023, there were approximately 32,774 international protection applicants residing in state accommodation.
- In September 2024, the government estimated around 7,600 asylum seekers would be subject to the new charge.
The new policy, driven by Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and Junior Minister Colm Brophy, will require varying contributions from asylum seekers based on their weekly earnings. For instance, those earning from €97.01 (£85) to €150 (£131) could expect to pay €15 (£13) per week. Conversely, individuals earning €600 (£526) or more may be responsible for a maximum charge of €238 (£208).
Consequences of Non-Payment
Failure to adhere to the new payment structure could lead to severe repercussions, including potential legal action for accumulating significant debt. Asylum seekers who struggle to pay their accommodation fees may even jeopardize their chances of obtaining citizenship.
Government Response to Rising Refugee Numbers
The proposal coincides with a notable increase in refugees arriving in Ireland, particularly from Ukraine. Since the start of the conflict in February 2022, over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered the Republic, with around 83,000 currently residing there. The Department of Justice predicts that capacity may be maxed out by the end of November 2023 if the influx continues.
Adjustment of Benefits and Services
Currently, asylum seekers receive a weekly allowance of €38.80 (£34) for adults and €29.80 (£26) for children. The government is exploring options to reduce the duration of state accommodation from 90 days to 30 days for newly arrived refugees.
Long-term strategies also involve reconsidering the €600 (£526) incentive for individuals housing Ukrainian refugees and potentially diminishing the construction of rapid-build modular homes for this demographic.
As discussions continue among senior ministers regarding these proposals, their implementation could take effect in late 2026 or early 2027, reflecting a transformative moment in Ireland’s asylum policy landscape.
