Refugees

Granting of right to work sees over 5,500 asylum seekers join labour force

The Department of Justice has issued 12,180 work permits to asylum seekers over the past five years

Over 5,500 asylum seekers have taken up jobs since being given the right to work, new figures show. Picture: PA

Around 5,500 asylum seekers have joined the workforce since they were given the right to work, according to new figures.

The Department of Justice has issued 12,180 work permits in the past five years, including 4,772 permits last year. New figures from the department show that at least 5,554 asylum seekers have actually got jobs here, allowing them to boost the €38 cash payment they get each week on top of their food and board.