Non-EU nationals work more for less pay

IMMIGRANTS from outside the EU are likely to work considerably longer than other employees in similar sectors and often for poorer pay, according to a report.

The Immigrant Council Of Ireland (ICI) claimed studies on pay and hours worked among non-EU employees highlighted the hardship and insecurity that many such immigrants face in adapting to Irish society.

The report reveals that non-EU nationals working in the health services worked 15.6 hours longer per week than the average for all workers in the sector.

Similarly, foreign nationals working in hotels and restaurants worked almost seven hours above the average working week and five hours longer for those employed in the wholesale and retail trades.

The ICI study also shows that 74% of all work permits relate to relatively low-skilled occupations.

The average gross weekly pay of immigrant workers was €423.61 but as low as €253 for some employees providing domestic services.

On average non-EU nationals work 41.6 hours per week compared to the average for all workers of 38.1 hours.

Executive chairperson of the ICI, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy said the study demonstrated how the work permit system needed to be reformed to allow employees rather than employers apply for such permits.

She said it also showed the immigration system was not working in the interests of immigrants or Irish society in general.

“Ireland’s immigration policy is market-driven and seeks to attract temporary workers in particular to fill skills and labour shortages. There is little concern for the human needs and rights of individuals and their families whose needs often come last in the unwieldy legal and economic process,” said Sr Stanislaus.

She claimed policy was also widely seen as “harsh and to be primarily concerned with security issues”.

The ICI called on the Government to allow the principle of “permanence” to underpin future legislation on immigration as well as establishing a junior ministry with responsibility for immigration and ethnic affairs.

Speaking at a ceremony in Dublin to launch the report, President Mary McAleese said Irish history meant people knew what is was like for modern immigrants to be uprooted from a place they loved.