Rules around the employment of migrants here have been open to exploitation for years, the Migrant Rights Centre has said. 

The group has welcomed the Government's announcement that it will allow General Employment Permit holders to change their employer.

Currently, when people come to Ireland on a General Employment Permit, they are tied to one employer for five years, which the Migrant Rights Centre said provides opportunity for exploitation.

“This change will now allow people on [General Employment Permits] to move employers should they need to,” MRC spokesperson Neil Burton said. 

“What that will give them is it will allow them to stand up for their rights at work without the fear of losing their status and it would allow them to leave that employment - should they be in a situation where they need to.” 

'Essentially stuck'

Mr Burton said over the years, the status quo has had a negative impact on migrants’ experience of working in Ireland. 

“We would see people only being paid for far less hours than they’re actually working,” he said. 

“We see people working up to 70, 80 hours a week and being paid for far less.

“They are essentially stuck in that situation where they can’t raise this issue with their employer, they can’t leave that job because they are too scared that they’ll lose their status and they won’t be able to remain in Ireland.” 

Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail Neale Richmond has said he will bring forward an amendment to grant all employment permit holders the right to change their employer.

Main image: Garda National Immigration Bureau.