The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), member of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), was involved in the campaigning to allow asylum seekers access to the labour market in Ireland. In June 2018, following a lengthy campaign, a directive lifted the previous ban on asylum seekers' ability to work. The lifting of the ban came a year after the Supreme Court of Ireland found that the ban on work for individuals in the Irish direct provision centres for asylum seekers was unconstitutional.

Since then, ICTU continues to liaise with association of asylum seekers in Ireland and other actors, following up on how the working scheme is implemented.

In addition, in late 2021, the Human Rights and Equality Commission, IBEC, and ICTU published the 'New employers guide for hiring asylum seekers'. The guide provides clear accessible information on employing international protection applicants – people seeking asylum. The booklet sets out:

• what a person’s international protection status means for their employability.
• examples and experience from Irish-based businesses such as software development company Zartis, and Deloitte Ireland
• the guidelines for employers on employing applicants
• what a Labour Market Access Permission is, what it looks like and how it allows access to employment, self-employment, and vocational training
• links to, and explanations of, the forms needed to employ someone seeking international protection

The publication can be also downloaded below.