Campaigners slam lengthy asylum wait

The Government has an "obligation" to grant asylum to residents of direct provision who have been psychologically harmed by lengthy stays in the system, migrants rights group Doras Luimní had said.

The group said the Government had done nothing to help asylum seekers who have been looking to live and work in Ireland as they seek asylum, which can take years to process.

Last year, as part of a national campaign to end direct provision, where asylum seekers receive €19.10 per week from the State, a series of protests were held around the country’s 34 centres.

Doras Luimní said some asylum seekers at Mount Trenchard, Foynes, Co Limerick, have spent up to 10 years in direct provision, which has isolated them from their own families and children.

Residents said this has caused them enormous stress and anxiety.

Doras Luimní said many seeking asylum here have fled conflicts only to end up in “inhumane” Irish asylum centres where groups of strangers are forced to sleep in the same bedroom.

Asylum seekers are not allowed work and many have fallen victim to alcoholism, drugs and mental disorders.

Many men have also been separated from their children when they are placed in male-only facilities.

Language barriers, loneliness and perceived lack of freedom are the main problems facing asylum seekers, they said.

Jonathon Muhwezi, a qualified chemist from Uganda, fled his native country six years ago.

“The asylum system is appalling. The way we are treated in hostels is appalling. There is no procedure for complaints about the management,” he said.

Mr Muhwezi, 36, said: “I’ve got a degree in pharmacy and I want to work but we are not allowed to work.”

He added: “I’ve got two children (in Ireland). I’ve got one in Cork and one in Dublin. I can’t even live with my children. It’s appalling.