This new report provides an analysis of measures to identify victims of trafficking in human beings in asylum and forced return procedures in Ireland.
The report finds that while progress has been made in actions against trafficking, a general onus on victims to self-report still exists. This report focuses on the interplay between the immigration and protection systems in Ireland, for (potential) victims of human trafficking. Systems and procedures for the identification and onward referral of victims are also discussed.
Main findings:
- No system exists for the formal identification of all victims of trafficking. Limited ‘proactive’ screening is in place in asylum procedures, with a reliance on self-reporting in later stages.
- Potential victims face differences in treatment depending on what part of the immigration system they fall under.
Eligibility for the Administrative Immigration Arrangements for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking (AIA), (access to accommodation, education, training and work supports) is confined to a ‘foreign national’ who is considered to be a potential or suspected victim of trafficking by An Garda Síochána, and who does not otherwise have a ‘valid immigration permission’.
Findings from the EU-wide synthesis report*
There is evidence of victims going unidentified. Risk assessment interviews prior to a return can offer the opportunity for authorities to detect possible victimisation. The role of specialised NGOs in identifying victims is highlighted, along with the importance of training asylum case workers in how to proactively detect signs of trafficking in the course of processing asylum applications.
For Further Information:
*23 EU Member States plus Norway participated in this study
