Sharp Surge in Employment Among International Protection Applicants

UPDATE: New figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveal a significant surge in employment among International Protection Applicants in Ireland. As of 2024, the number of applicants benefiting from the Daily Expense Allowance (DEA) has skyrocketed to 17,250, marking a dramatic increase from 10,252 in 2023.

This surge in employment among those seeking protection highlights a crucial development in Ireland’s labor market, particularly as the country grapples with rising living costs and employment challenges. The latest data indicates that the number of new DEA beneficiaries surpassed 10,000 for the first time in 2022, reaching 11,750 individuals. Following a drop in 2023, the figure rebounded sharply in 2024, reflecting a growing trend of integration into the workforce.

The CSO’s analysis also shows that while the percentage of women benefiting from the DEA has remained lower than men, it is noteworthy that almost half of all beneficiaries in 2024 are aged between 25 and 44 years. The youngest cohort, under 15 years, represents nearly a quarter of the total beneficiaries, indicating a diverse demographic among those receiving support.

Notably, countries like Nigeria, Jordan, Somalia, and Pakistan each contributed over 1,000 new beneficiaries in 2024. Conversely, Georgia and Zimbabwe saw significant declines in beneficiary numbers during the same period.

International Protection Applicants can work in Ireland, provided they obtain a Labour Market Access permit, which is granted after a minimum stay of six months. This requirement, previously set at nine months, was relaxed in 2021, allowing for a quicker transition into the workforce. The impact of this policy change is evident; 77% of all new DEA beneficiaries from 2022 engaged in employment activity by 2024.

Gender disparities persist, with 83% of male beneficiaries and only 65% of female beneficiaries engaging in employment. The CSO’s findings highlight that the 25-44 age group demonstrates the highest employment activity, reflecting the critical role of young adults in revitalizing the labor market.

Analysis by Labour Market and Earnings experts indicates that non-Irish nationals, which include many International Protection Applicants, accounted for 21.0% of all employments in Ireland as of Q2 2025. This statistic underscores the substantial contribution of international workers to the Irish economy during a time of heightened demand for labor.

As Ireland continues to navigate economic challenges, the rising employment figures among International Protection Applicants signal a positive shift towards integration and participation in the workforce. Authorities are closely monitoring these trends, which could impact future policies regarding labor access for vulnerable populations.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the dynamics of employment among International Protection Applicants continue to evolve.