Long stays in direct provision hamper integration: report

Long stays in direct provision centres can hamper the ability of refugees to fully integrate into Irish society.

According to UNHCR report, which consulted with 71 refugees, lack of access to work, education, and integration supports in the years awaiting recognition as a refugee can be difficult to repair and may hinder integration prospects.

More than 4,000 asylum seekers seeking refugee status are housed in the direct provision system— which is made up of a range of hotels, hostels, and other reception centres around the country. All are managed and run by private entities under contract to the State.