Undocumented Migrant Workers to Launch Campaign

[Vincent Galeon]

Special Issue   November 1, 2007     feedback     
Balitang Pinoy sa Ireland


Undocumented Migrant Workers to Launch Campaign

Below is a notice Pinoy Nuacht got hold off. This shows us the importance to have a SOLID Filipino National Community. One that will take care of the Filipinos in Ireland needs not only when it is needed but also to prepare the community for such events.

Yes we still have our jobs now. But how about tomorrow or next week or maybe a year after. When that happens the people dearest to you will be the one most affected. We can never be assured of anything. We need measures done now and not tomorrow. We need to watch our back or have that National Community watch it for us. Since day 1 Pinoy Nuacht was conceptualized one of the things that we would like to emphasize is for Filipinos to be united.

We believe that Filipinos in Ireland have what it takes to be one.

We believe that Filipinos in Ireland have changed and got rid of those crap mentality we all grew up knowing and seeing. i.e. crab mentality, kanya-kanya sytem, mañana habit, ningas cogon, bahala na habit.

We believe that Filipinos still have that bayanihan spirit.

We believe that Filipinos still have that 1986 People Power spirit.

We believe in the Filipinos in Ireland!!!

Please act now!!! Do as what the 5 of the 10 virgins did in the Parable of the Oil.


PRESS NOTICE: Undocumented Migrant Workers to Launch Campaign

Migrant workers who have become undocumented through workplace exploitation, deception or unexpected redundancy in Ireland will take a courageous step forward by launching a public campaign calling on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Brian Lenihan, and the Government to take immediate steps to remedy the situation.

Migrant workers will specifically be calling for the introduction of a Bridging Visa, a temporary 6-month permission to remain for migrants from outside the EU who have entered Ireland lawfully but have become undocumented for reasons beyond their control. There currently is no official mechanism like a Bridging Visa open to individuals in these situations to come forward and get back into the system.

The Campaign aims to gain the support from Minister Lenihan and the Government for this practical and humanitarian measure, similar to the sort of measures the Government is openly advocating for on behalf of undocumented Irish migrants in the US.

The Bridging Visa Campaign is being supported by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland.

Speakers:
• Undocumented migrant workers, including testimonies*
• Fr. Bobby Gilmore (Chairperson, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland)
• Jacqueline Healy (Drop In Centre Coordinator, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland)

* Undocumented migrant workers with the Bridging Visa Campaign will be available for interview provided their identity is concealed.

Date: Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Time: 10:30 am
Place: Press Conference will be held in Buswells Hotel, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

Contact:
Delphine O’Keeffe – Information & Communications Officer - 087 241 0039
Jacqueline Healy – Drop In Centre Coordinator – 087 930 4878