The Irish Government has approved a new income-based contribution scheme for international-protection applicants who are in paid employment. Under the plan, asylum-seekers living in State-provided accommodation will pay between €15 and €238 a week—10 % to 40 % of earnings—towards the cost of food and lodging. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the change brings Ireland into line with several EU countries where employed applicants help offset reception costs.
The reform targets the 7,500 protection applicants currently working, many of them in hospitality, agriculture and health-care roles that suffer chronic labour shortages. Until now, those residents kept 100 % of wages while the State covered accommodation bills that average €14,000 per person annually. Government officials estimate the measure could recoup €25-30 million in 2026, money that will be reinvested in faster asylum processing and better reception centres.
![Ireland to Charge Working Asylum-Seekers up to €238 per Week for State Accommodation]()
For employers and mobility managers the biggest impact is on net disposable income. HR teams should review salary packages—especially overtime and shift premia—to ensure affected employees can still meet living costs. As contributions are deducted at source by the accommodation provider, payroll departments will need written confirmation of the charge for tax and benefits calculations.
Advocacy groups have criticised the policy, arguing it risks pushing low-paid workers into undeclared labour to avoid deductions. The Department of Justice counters that only those earning above €97 per week will pay, and a hardship waiver is built into the scheme. A 12-month lead-in period will allow IT systems—and residents—to adapt before payments begin in late 2026.
With migration once again a political flash-point, the measure is a signal that Ireland intends to balance openness to skills with fiscal prudence. Multinationals employing asylum-seekers under the labour-market access scheme should brief staff early and consider top-up allowances where necessary to maintain retention and morale.
The reform targets the 7,500 protection applicants currently working, many of them in hospitality, agriculture and health-care roles that suffer chronic labour shortages. Until now, those residents kept 100 % of wages while the State covered accommodation bills that average €14,000 per person annually. Government officials estimate the measure could recoup €25-30 million in 2026, money that will be reinvested in faster asylum processing and better reception centres.
For employers and mobility managers the biggest impact is on net disposable income. HR teams should review salary packages—especially overtime and shift premia—to ensure affected employees can still meet living costs. As contributions are deducted at source by the accommodation provider, payroll departments will need written confirmation of the charge for tax and benefits calculations.
Advocacy groups have criticised the policy, arguing it risks pushing low-paid workers into undeclared labour to avoid deductions. The Department of Justice counters that only those earning above €97 per week will pay, and a hardship waiver is built into the scheme. A 12-month lead-in period will allow IT systems—and residents—to adapt before payments begin in late 2026.
With migration once again a political flash-point, the measure is a signal that Ireland intends to balance openness to skills with fiscal prudence. Multinationals employing asylum-seekers under the labour-market access scheme should brief staff early and consider top-up allowances where necessary to maintain retention and morale.
