The Government has resisted long-standing pressure from the Churches, the trade unions and various immigrant organisations to reform the temporary work visa system in response to the way unscrupulous employers abuse non-EU workers.
A recent report on the subject, from the Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland (MRCI), argued for a new immigration policy that would focus on human dignity and the needs of the economy, rather than continuing with a security-based approach. It recommended that work permits should not be linked to specific employers. And it urged the adoption of transparent rules and review mechanisms that would be of assistance to all.
The fragmented nature of the system, under which the Department of Enterprise and Employment issues work permits but the Garda Síochána deals with residency issues, was criticised by the report. It suggested that temporary work permits should become the exception, rather than the rule. And it proposed they should be limited to certain areas, such as the entertainment business or seasonal work. Otherwise, work permits should last for at least a year, thereby reducing the administrative burden on employers and the State and providing a sense of security for workers. And, the report suggested, a permanent residence permit should be introduced.
Details of the abuse and vulnerability of migrant workers - they lose their entitlement to work if they change employers and are discouraged from joining training courses - were provided by the MRCI. Our temporary visa system has been likened to "bonded servitude" by former president, Mrs Mary Robinson. And support for change has been forthcoming from US Congressman, Mr Bruce Morrison, who did so much to smooth the path for Irish emigrants to the US during the 1980s. He felt it was an abusive way to deal with immigrants.
Some months ago, in order to retain the services of certain highly-skilled foreign workers, such as nurses, engineers and information technology professionals, the Government changed the rules that prevented their spouses from seeking employment. It was a pragmatic decision that will benefit the economy and society. The same should apply to other non-EU workers, where 47,000 temporary work visas have been issued.
While many employers operate to high standards and treat their workers well, a minority do not. If we are to protect the positive image this State enjoys in the eyes of the world, we must treat migrant workers in an enlightened fashion.