A Palestinian asylum seeker in Ireland has hit out at the government’s “no cap” approach to refugees, saying that the policy is unwise and will lead to significant social issues.
The asylum seeker asked not to be named, and will be called “Ahmed” to protect his anonymity.
Speaking to Gript, he expressed frustration with the Irish government’s international protection system – in particular, the policy of not capping numbers.
“I’m not a citizen [of Ireland], but this is not a wise idea at all,” he said.
“There will be problems, no accommodation, high rent prices, and pressure on all institutions of the state.”
He added: “And of course the citizens will feel that the government does not care about them as it does the refugees, so hate will escalate automatically.”
While he said that many of the people in Kinnegad are “very nice,” he claimed that he and other refugees had already begun to feel social tension, with one man swearing at him and giving him the finger while driving by.
He was then told that a lot of frustration was stemming from a belief that the government prioritises foreigners over citizens – for example, the fact that Ireland has over 10,000 homeless people, and yet the government can find resources to help refugees instead of citizens in crisis.
Homeless numbers top 10,000 for first time since pandemic https://t.co/pivHIfb5vj
— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) May 27, 2022
“10 thousand Irish people? What the f***?” he said.
“They [Irish people] have the right to be frustrated.”
He said that having no cap is “not a good policy,” and that people from any country would naturally feel the same way.
“I’m sorry to hear this. It’s a f***ed up policy…I hope everything changes for the better for Irish people.”
“Ahmed” is currently staying at the Harry’s Hotel Direct Provision Centre in Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath. However, the asylum seekers stationed there are set to be moved on Friday to Gormanstown military base to make way for Ukrainian refugees in the hotel.
However, according to the Department of Children, the military tents do not have air conditioning, raising concerns about what conditions will be like during the Irish winter.
No air-conditioning in Gormanston accommodation tents for Ukrainian refugees, department says https://t.co/C6SrrqWnUh
— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) July 19, 2022
“[The tents] are not designed for long term accommodation,” he said.
“What will happen to us in the winter? And not to mention, most of our documents are going to be issued at this address – our PPS numbers, medical cards and social welfare.”
He continued: “Imagine 10 people in one tent, shared bathrooms and showers, etcetera. Far away from any city, and of course no facilities around.”
“Ahmed” also said that while he understood that Ukrainian women and children would suffer more in an army barracks, he said: “I would agree if we were being transferred for the first time.
“The problem is we are being transferred for the fifth time…other refugees see this as an act of racism at high level. Why would you discriminate between refugees? Most of us are desperate.”
He said he believes the asylum system in Ireland is very disorganised overall.
“To be honest, I don’t know what politicians are planning for,” he said.
“But people are upset because of their actions. They have no strategy and no plans for refugees.”
Gript previously did a number of interviews with asylum seekers, which can be viewed below.