Migrants’ rights groups welcome new laws

Migrants’ rights groups are today reacting positively to new laws announced by the Justice Minister designed to give extra breathing space to non EU migrant workers who find themselves out of work.

Under the changes, such workers who hold a work permit will have six months to find a new job instead of three.

The changes apply to workers who have held a work permit for less than five years.

Migrants who have been working for more than five years no longer need to seek a new permit.

Catherine Cosgrave of the Immigrant Council of Ireland said this change will be particularly welcome for many people.