In a recent opinion piece, Michael McDowell has taken up the topic of “pull factors” that draw asylum seekers to Ireland. Let’s undertake an exploration of the journey an asylum seeker might face for a better understanding. Upon arrival by plane, there’s the possibility one will be immediately confronted by immigration officials seeking to have them returned to their origin without even being able to file for asylum.
If you’re found without a passport upon landing, you risk being held and prosecuted, possibly facing up to three months in prison. It’s common for men to become homeless straightaway after arriving, requiring them to search for a safe location to sleep, while hoping to evade attacks from extreme right groups or evictions from the police. Assistance may come in the form of a voulenteer, if one is lucky.
One possible future for the asylum claimant hinges on surviving the upcoming winter in a military tent. Those provided a roof over their heads will frequently end up in crowded buildings, in a shared room with their family. These places often fail to meet basic living standards and may not be subject to necessary inspections.
Unaccompanied children who face disputes about their age might find themselves placed with adults, unless they’re fortunate enough to have a willing lawyer who can contest the decision. The right to work is withheld for the first six months, and a negative decision during this period eliminates any future possibility of applying for employment.
Once permitted to work, the duration of one’s employment will be limited to six-month intervals and can be revoked following a final negative decision. Weekly allowances are limited to €38.80 per week — an amount that hasn’t changed in over five years — and €29.80 for a dependent child. Children remain excluded from child benefits, thus living on the brink of poverty is unavoidable.
Lastly, if you originate from a country on the growing “safe” list, your application process might be fast-tracked, often without the availability of legal aid. Even Egypt, with its questionable record on human rights, is included on this list.
Should your primary application not prove successful, you are entitled to a singular appeal. However, should your appeal not work out and your plea for permission to stay fail, a deportation order will be handed to you, and any further assistance will cease. Might Mr McDowell better contemplate the elements which compel individuals to migrate, such as conflict, harassment, human rights infringement, starvation and alterations in climate, instead of focusing on the so-called ‘pull factors’?
Yours faithfully,
Nick Henderson, CEO, Irish Refugee Council, Dublin 1.