Vol. 534 No. 3
86 Mr. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if asylum seekers arriving here prior to July 1999 were entitled to get work permits; if asylum seekers arriving after that time could not qualify for such work permits; if there are any circumstances by which such people can get work permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10573/01]
The position concerning asylum seekers is as follows:
(1)The Government decided in July 1999 that asylum applicants who were in the State before 26 July 1999 and whose applications had not been processed within 12 months of arrival could seek paid employment. Such people receive a letter from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform allowing them to work. They do not require work permits.
(2)Section 9(4)(b) of the Refugee Act, 1996, commenced in November 2000, prohibits applicants for refugee status from seeking or entering employment or carrying on any business, trade or profession during the period before the final determination of their application.
Such persons are free to engage in voluntary work pending a determination on their application.
