Michael D. Higgins
Question:138 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the visa application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12554/01]
Written Answers - Work Permits.
The position with regard to the person concerned is that section 9(4)(b) of the Refugee Act, 1996 prohibits applicants for refugee status from seeking or entering employment or carrying on any business, trade or profession during the period before the final determination of their application. Accordingly my Department is not in a position to consider an application for a work permit.
Such applicants are of course free to engage in voluntary work pending a determination on their application.