The Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) is concerned for the well-being of Mr Nadim Hussain and would urge the Minister for Justice to expedite the Section 49 review process with a view of granting him permission to remain. MASI reiterates the call we made earlier for the Irish government to grant long-term residency (permission to remain) to all frontline workers with a precarious immigration permission in the State and workers without an immigration permission.

Receiving a negative decision in the international protection process has deeply negative effects on a person’s mental well-being. There are people who have died on foot of a negative decision in large part because of the traumatic experiences people have been through in their home countries. Thoughts of being forced to return to sites of trauma are themselves traumatic.

It is also important to remember that Ireland does not provide legal aid for an asylum seeker to challenge the appeal tribunal’s decisions in the high court. Thus, people like Mr. Hussain who may well have a winnable case end up being unjustly served with expulsion notices.

A hunger strike is an appeal to the good conscience of those who have the power to effect positive change. It is also an appeal to the collective conscience of Irish society to reflect on how asylum seekers are treated. MASI calls on the Irish government to provide legal aid for asylum seekers to challenge IPO and IPAT decisions in the high court. Absence of legal recourse leads to tragic circumstances for people who are directly affected by these decisions. MASI wishes to express solidarity with Nadim and all other frontline workers who face potential expulsion from the State after putting their lives on the line throughout the pandemic.

ENDS

About MASI – the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland is a grassroots organisation based in Ireland. We are people who are or have been in the asylum and direct provision system in Ireland, working and advocating together for justice, freedom and dignity for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. Our focus is on the Right to Education and the Right to Work for all people seeking asylum, on the complete abolition of direct provision and an end to deportations.

Media Enquiries: Bulelani Mfaco –  +353 89 474 2911

Email: bulelani@masi.ie

Twitter: @MASI_ASYLUM