New work permit fee angers migrants
Protesters outside the offices of Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan yesterday. Photo: PHOTOCALL/LEON FARRELL
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Angry migrants who face new fees of up to €2,250 to renew their work permits let the Tanaiste know how they felt yesterday, writes Anne-Marie Walsh.
Protesters held a demonstration outside the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment over changes to the permit system that start on Monday.
They appealed to Tanaiste and Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan to stop the changes, claiming they will force migrant workers underground.
"I have been living in Ireland for the past nine years with my wife and two children," said Yaiz M from Malaysia.
"I recently lost my job and I am worried what will happen to my family, especially with these new work permit changes.
"I want the Government to consider people like me who have committed themselves to Ireland, to at least give us a fair chance."
Father Bobby Gilmore of the Migrant Rights Centre, said the changes "will encourage exploitation and it will be a loss to revenue.
"Have we not learned our lesson from the Irish experience in the US and elsewhere?" he asked.
