Employment plays an important role in terms of facilitating integration. Economic independence, which can be achieved through regular employment income, brings with it many benefits such as an improved lifestyle, security, status and a sense of belonging to the community.

Once a person is granted refugee status they are entitled to seek employment in the State and are not required to apply for a Work Permit. In addition, refugees have the same entitlements to participation on FÁS courses and schemes as Irish citizens. Most persons granted leave to remain have the same rights to employment and training as refugees. In a small number of cases of persons granted leave to remain, conditions are attached which require them to apply for a Work Permit.