According to the Irish Department of Justice and Equality, 842 refugees are unable to move out of direct provision centres due to the housing shortage in Ireland. And the situation has been getting worse, as the number of refugees stuck in the direct provision system has doubled since 2017.

Direct provision was established in 2000 to meet the basic needs of asylum seekers waiting for approval of their refugee status applications. Despite recent reforms regarding weekly allowances and the right to work, the system has repeatedly faced criticism due to its negative impact on integration and mental well-being of residents. Transitioning out of direct provision has been one of the key issues.

A person who is granted refugee status is required to leave the direct provision system within two to three weeks. But in reality, the time may be extended up to a year (or longer in some cases). The low housing stock in Ireland has created intense competition for accommodations, and discrimination against non-Irish nationals in the rental market leaves many at risk of homelessness. The Peter McVerry Trust, a charity for the homeless, has recently implemented a scheme to find housing for people stuck in direct provision.

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