Migrant workers unaware of rights

MIGRANT workers who become homeless experience “overt racism” from within the system and are not being provided with sufficient translation services, according to a homeless charity.

Crosscare officer Wayne Stanley said migrant workers were facing discrimination and being told they are not entitled to any welfare payments when they might be, and in some cases people have not been provided with translation services and so were not fully aware of what was required.

Mr Stanley said people were being offered a ticket home and not even given the opportunity to apply for benefits. He said latest figures from the charity’s Amien Street service showed that more than 30% of new clients presenting in the first four months of this year were not Irish.