The Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland says the news that people seeking asylum can now apply for driving licenses has been met with 'smiles'.
The Department of Transport yesterday announced the change following a High Court ruling.
It said asylum seekers applying for a driving licence in Ireland meet the normal residence requirement of the Road Traffic Regulations 2006 - and are now eligible to apply for a driving licence.
MASI coordinator, Lucky Khambule, says asylum seekers welcome the new move:
"You cannot imagine the smiles and the hopes from people that now, finally, they can drive. It didn't make sense that people were given the right to work and not the right to drive."
STATEMENT:
1. We welcome announcement that asylum seekers can now apply for a driving licence.
2. Urge Minister @EamonRyan to introduce transitional measures for asylum seekers who had a valid licence from a recognised state at the time of claiming asylum. pic.twitter.com/1kotcZCqnZ
— MASI - Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (@masi_asylum) December 17, 2021
