World Immigration News

Immigration plan 'common sense measure', says Tánaiste

Release Date: 2025-11-25
Media: RTE
Summary: Ireland plans to introduce a system requiring some asylum seekers with employment to contribute 10–40% of their weekly income toward State-provided accommodation. Tánaiste Simon Harris called the measure “common sense,” arguing it supports social cohesion and fairness, since people earning income outside the asylum system must cover their own housing costs.

The contribution would be means-tested, with proposed examples including €15 for someone earning €150 a week, €83 for someone earning €340, and €238 for those earning €600 or more. If approved, the scheme could begin next year. About 7,600 asylum seekers would have been eligible under last year’s data, though numbers may decrease after the EU Migration and Asylum Pact comes into effect.

The Government will also propose two additional reforms: tightening family reunification rules and raising the residency requirement for citizenship from three to five years. Taoiseach Micheál Martin supports the changes, saying they reflect necessary tightening of asylum and citizenship processes.

However, the Irish Refugee Council warned the reforms are “deeply alarming,” stating they undermine key aspects of refugee integration. Labour TD Ged Nash accused Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan of “virtue signalling” and copying ineffective UK policies, arguing the Government should instead emphasize the positive contributions of migrants to Ireland’s economy and public services.
Tags: Ireland

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