Some 65 per cent of asylum-seekers and refugees living in Portlaoise and 42.5 per cent of their spouses have a third-level qualification from their home country, according to a new survey. Yet despite their high level of education, 70 per cent of them are not currently employed.
Some 74 per cent of those unemployed say they do not have a job because their present legal status forbids it, while another 74 per cent who sought voluntary work were unsuccessful.
Racism, childminding difficulties, distance and a lack of voluntary work were among the barriers respondents cited to obtaining work in the voluntary sector.
The survey, "A Minority in Transition", was conducted by the Midland Health Board, Laois County Development Board, Portlaoise Ethnic Minority Support Group and Portlaoise Community Action Project.
It was carried out in March, and represents 80 per cent of the total asylum-seeker/refugee population in Portlaoise.
The aim of the survey was to document the lifestyles of ethnic minorities in the town with a view to improving their quality of life.
The survey indicates that the majority of asylum-seekers experience a lot of frustration from their current legal position, and from the fact that they cannot work.
"You are seen by the Irish as a no do good because we are getting benefits.
"I want them to know that, given the opportunity, a majority of us would like to work and contribute to the development of the country," said one respondent.
Some 81 per cent said they wished to establish a rapport with the Irish community.
The thirst for further education has not been quenched for the majority of asylum-seekers since their arrival in this country, with 49 per cent taking further educational courses in Ireland.
Only 12 per cent of respondents have been granted refugee status, while 46 per cent are awaiting the decision on their application for residency based on the parenthood of an Irish-born child.
A further 15 per cent are waiting for their applications for refugee status to be processed, while 7 per cent have had their applications for refugee status refused.
According to newly-elected Nigerian-born Laois county councillor Mr Rotimi Adebari, about 70 per cent of the 11,000 applicants for asylum on the basis of having an Irish citizen child have a third-level qualification. However, because they do not have the legal status they cannot work.
"These people are talent wasting away. Give them the status and let them work and contribute to the economy," he said.
Main Findings
• 65% of households have one parent who has a third-level qualification.
• 77% have income from Department of Social and Family Affairs and/or the Midland Health Board.
• 12% are employed.
• 74% have been refused voluntary work.
• 73% of households have one adult who understands and speaks English well.
• 55% have been living in Ireland for more than two years.
• 46% are awaiting the decision on their application for residency based on the parenthood of an Irish citizen child.
