Fears for asylum-seekers treatment

The Irish Refugee Council has expressed concern about the Government’s treatment of asylum-seekers from the 10 countries due to join the EU next month.

400 families from the 10 accession states have been told they must leave the accommodation provided to them as asylum-seekers.

They will now be classified as EU citizens and will be entitled to enter the labour force, but they are unlikely to qualify for rent supplement or other benefits.

The Refugee Council said this was causing confusion and panic, as access to the labour market was no guarantee of a job.