Laois Enterprise Office has been nominated for a European Enterprise Promotion Award for a programme which helps disadvantaged groups overcome barriers to employment.
They believe that asylum seekers can make a valuable contribution to society while waiting on the decision about their status in Ireland.
Earlier this year, the Department of Justice allowed those awaiting asylum to apply for a self-employment licence.
Business adviser with Laois LEO, Seamus Doran, spoke to Midlands 103.
Contribution to society
“If you have been in the country for more than six months and if you have not received a decision on your application at that stage, you will be given the right to either employment or self-employment.
The difficulty was, if you mention for example, waiting for over a decade on a decision – they’re effectively sitting idol for that time and they have no income coming in.
“They can actually make a contribution to society while they’re waiting on their decision,” added Mr Doran.
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