Thousands of asylum seekers unaccounted for
According to figures obtained by the Irish Examiner, there are approximately 11,500 cases awaiting processing in the lengthy and complex legal system around asylum – and not just the 6,000-plus who live at the state-funded centres.
Under Department of Justice rules, asylum seekers are not allowed to seek alternative accommodation in the private rented sector.
However, it is understood people who have been claiming asylum for many years have left direct provision centres and may be working cash-in-hand jobs just to pay rent so they no longer have to stay in government accommodation. Others are staying with family or friends.
Claire McCarthy, policy officer with Nasc, the immigrant support centre, said while Nasc is aware of people staying with relatives, she did not think the figures would be so high.
According to the Department of Justice, of the total 11,500 cases currently on hand, more than half include an application for subsidiary protection and a request for further consideration at which point the minister must make the decision whether or not to deport someone.
Ms McCarthy, however, questioned why the process had to start all over again when officials would already have much knowledge of a case. She said most asylum seekers cannot seek employment and are provided for by the state with food, accommodation and €19 a week.
Dr John Good, a physician with the Centre for the Care of Torture Survivors in Dublin said he was aware of many asylum seekers from war-torn countries not granted asylum, but not deported either.
A department spokesperson said where an asylum seeker chooses not to avail of RIA accommodation, they must provide an address to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner for communications on their asylum application.
