Migrant Rights Centre Ireland

1. Migrant Rights Centre Ireland A national organisation concerned with promoting the rights of migrant workers and their families Sancha Magat – Case worker

2. Migrant workers becoming undocumented through no fault of their own • Employers not renewing the WP • As a result of exploitation leaving work • New employers not applying for WP • Too long of a delay in applying for WP • Employers getting the WP but worker not permitted to get residency stamp • Recruitment agencies misleading employers/ees re WP system

3. Came from Bangladesh 3 years ago Work permit in Cork let her go after 2 months Found job in Clare WP not applied for Not paid for 4 months Physically beaten Advised by friends not to go to Guards After number of months new employer applied for work permit Refused because of expired residency stamp Approached local Guard Passport taken Got legal assistance – got passport back Job gone No employer willing to apply for WP Afraid of being deported No option but to work because of outstanding loans 6,000 e for original work permit + dependent family at home Feels very powerless Remains undocumented is being assisted Lita’s story (not real name)

4. Some solutions…… • Introduce a Bridging Visa which could be given in situations where a person has clearly being exploited resulting in that person becoming undocumented • Would allow person back into the system • Help in minimising the ‘informal’ economy • Good for democracy

5. Family Reunification for migrant workers employed in low pay jobs • If working in a low pay job ie approx 450 e per week will not qualify • Reasons being given not consistent • Appeals system not transparent • ? Why people from certain countries more likely to being refused • People living here for over 5 years and with long term residency can be refused FU • Issue of children over 18 years • Rise in family tension/breakdown • Supporting family at home • Forced separation fuelling exclusion and isolation

6. Arrived in 2000 From Bangladesh Head chef Wife and 4 children Earning in excess of 500 e per week Rent free accommodation and significant savings 4 applications + appeals refused Got long term residency early in 2005 Applied and refused again Reason - possible cost to public resources Employer supported case With support of MRCI appeal successful 5 years away from family. Eldest now over 18 – has been refused Enamur (not real name)

7. Some solutions • Allow migrant workers automatic family reunification • Do not make it more difficult for those on work permits to access FU • Introduce a fair, transparent and accessible application and appeals system • Allow family members who are still in the education system/dependent on parents to be considered for FU

8. In conclusion • Migrant workers and their families are making a net contribution to our society. • No humane and decent society should allow for the continued apartheid type system which gives a reduced level of protection, rights and security to those who are in the most vulnerable positions in society. • Family reunification must be an option for all workers • Political leadership is needed to combat prejudice, racism and xenophobia • Migrant workers and their families need to be able to access services, information and social protection in a manner that promotes their inclusion and integration in society – should not be viewed as temporary visitors. • Need for a greater understanding and appreciation of the journey of hope migrant workers take when they leave home and travel to this country.

9. And finally….. Quote from recent Irish Times article ‘In a recent Dail debate the Minister for Foreign Affairs observed that while sufficient jobs were now being created for our people at home, we should never forget the trauma of the past nor the plight of those who are in difficulty abroad. The editor goes on to say ‘Indeed, in these changed circumstances, the Government should promote the wellbeing and employment conditions of foreign workers in this State as it represents our immigrants abroad.’