Campaign to Stop the Work Permit Changes

 


In April 2009, the MRCI launched a campaign to stop several changes made to the employment permit system introduced by the Government. Under the new rules, migrant workers on permits who were made redundant were prohibited from taking up a new job unless it is had been publicly advertised for two months. The change introduced an enormous barrier for people to get another job, regardless of how long they had been living and working in Ireland. Many people and their families who made Ireland their home would have been forced to leave or have no other choice but to stay and work informally.

 

 


 

 

Background to the campaign:


In April 2009, in response to growing unemployment, and growing resentment towards migrant workers in Ireland, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan, TD, announced drastic changes to the work permits system in April 2009.

The most worrying of the changes prohibited migrant workers holding work permits who lose their jobs from taking up another job, unless it was publically advertised for two months. The changes would make it virtually impossible for people on permits made redundant to get another job, regardless of how long they have lived and worked in Ireland. Many people and their families would be forced to leave Ireland or have no other choice but to stay and work undocumented.

After a four month-campaign of MRCI's Migrant Worker Action Groups and allies against these changes, the Government eventually reversed its decision regarding work permit changes and made some positive changes including doubling the length of time, from three to six months, that workers in the permit system have to seek alternative employment when made redundant. In addition, the government introduced a new policy that migrants who live and work in Ireland for five years under the work permits system receive a permission to live and work, without the need to apply for another work permit (Temporary One-Year Stamp 4).

The success of this campaign was as a result of migrant workers and allies mobilising to change unjust policies. This reversal and the new provisions leave non-EEA migrant workers in a better position than when the campaign began. It will make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of non-EEA migrant workers who have committed themselves to Ireland, but whose futures were hanging in the balance. It gives migrant workers greater equality and greater opportunity to support their families and to contribute to Irish society.

 

Campaign Media Coverage



The Irish Times Migrants to find it more difficult to get work permits (16 Apr 2009)

Metro Éireann 'Crazy rules' (16 Apr 2009)

The Irish Times Call to postpone work rule changes (14 May 2009)

Irish Examiner Migrant worker to stage protest (27 May 2009)

Irish Examiner Unjust changes scapegoat migrants (28 May 2009)

Irish Independent New work permit fee angers migrants (28 May 2009)

The Irish Times Changing work permits (28 May 2009)

Mandate News Permit changes unjust and will force migrant workers underground (Summer issue, 2009)

Metro Éireann 'It's never been so bad' (4 Jun 2009)

Irish Independent Redundant immigrants given 'breathing space' (29 Aug 2009)

Irish Daily Mail Immigration rules eased for unemployed migrant workers (29 Aug 2009)

The Irish Times Time period for immigrants to find work extended (29 Aug 2009)