The Irish government has agreed to reduce support for asylum seekers following a meeting of senior ministers in Dublin on Wednesday.

Under the new plan, asylum seekers who have jobs will be required to pay a charge toward their State accommodation.

The government will also tighten family reunification rules, and people applying for citizenship will now need to live in Ireland for five years instead of three.

The changes come as Ireland faces a rise in the number of people seeking asylum and refuge. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and Junior Minister for Migration Colm Brophy are leading the proposals, which will be detailed at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting.

International protection applicants who work but live in State accommodation will pay between €15 and €238 per week, depending on income. For example, those earning between €97.01 and €150 per week may pay €15, while those earning €600.01 and above may pay €238.

Tánaiste Simon Harris said on Tuesday that charging working asylum seekers a portion of their income is “a common sense measure.”

However, asylum seekers who do not pay and build up “significant arrears” may face court action or debt collection.

The proposals have sparked mixed reactions. Labour TD Ged Nash accused Minister O’Callaghan of “virtue signalling” on immigration, while Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy previously said it is “only fair” that working asylum seekers contribute to their accommodation based on their means. (BBC)

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