Temporary work permits should be the exception rather than the rule, and permits should be detached from the employer, according to a new report on migrant workers. The report is published by the Migrants Rights Centre, Ireland (MRCI).
The present system is open to abuse, according to the author of the report, Ms Nuala Kelly.
She cited instances where migrants have been recruited to work as office workers but ended up as general domestic staff in private homes, in massage parlours, with no jobs at all on arrival in Ireland, or even found themselves passed on to other recruitment agencies.
"Managing labour supply on the basis of temporary labour as need arises, or on a three-month supply basis, is inefficient and impractical," said Father Bobby Gilmore, chairman of the MRCI. Temporary permits will always be needed to fill gaps, he said, but they should not be the main entry system for migrant workers, as they are at present for over 47,000 of them.
It is difficult to make recommendations for good practice in the absence of an overall policy on immigration, according to the report.
"A framework is needed for the formulation of a holistic migration policy based on human dignity and the needs of the economy, rather than one based solely on a security approach," it said, adding that a clear, transparent and accountable labour admissions policy and practice was needed.
It recommends the restriction of temporary work permits to certain areas such as the entertainment business or seasonal work. Permits should last for a period in excess of a year, which would reduce administrative burdens on employers and the State, and give some sense of security to those wishing to avail of an extended period of employment.
The report also suggests the introduction of a permanent residence permit, and ensuring that both it and work permits are dealt with by the same Department.
At the moment, the Department of Enterprise and Employment administers the work permit system, while residency permits are dealt with by the Garda Síochána.
Work permits should be detached from the employer in order to avoid the potential for exploitation and wage depression.
"Many employers are fair and operate to high standards but even they acknowledge that permits can be perceived by the holder to be a form of bonded or indentured labour," it said.
The report also urges more and better pre-departure information for migrant workers in appropriate languages and in an accessible fashion. Recruitment agencies should be regulated and monitored.
The gap in provision for those on work permits who end up out of work through no fault of their own needs to be addressed, according to Ms Kelly.