How do you write for Refugees?
Intro:
This article outlines my experience applying for a job that required a written submission, where the targeted readers are newly arrived refugees in Ireland. It discusses the complexities of addressing such a diverse and vulnerable group, the research I conducted to create fictional reader profiles, and the final structure of my submission, which aimed to provide clear and accessible information. The article also covers the challenges of writing for non-native English speakers and explores the asylum process in Ireland, offering insight into how it can be presented in a supportive and understandable format.
The asylum-seeking process is a scary and confusing ordeal for many.
Recently, I applied for a new job that required me to submit a 1,000-word piece of writing. The task came with an interesting challenge: the submission had to be written as though the target audience were newly arrived refugees in Ireland.
The more I thought about it, the more complex the task seemed. How do you write for such a diverse group of people, each with their own unique experiences, varying levels of stress, and possibly deep-seated trauma? Ultimately, I realised that perhaps you can’t fully capture it all.
I wrote and submitted a piece that I felt was adequate. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that, in the end, I would inevitably be doing some people a disservice.
Like a lot of places across Western Europe, Ireland is dealing with what the media keep referring to as a Refugee Crisis. People are arriving in Ireland through different means and seeking asylum.
The number of those seeking asylum has risen, putting immense pressure on the systems responsible for housing and processing asylum applications. These systems have been playing catch up to meet the demands and reduce wait times, directly affecting those seeking refuge. Additionally, inadequate financial support, growing anti-immigrant sentiment from minority groups with misplaced anger, and substandard housing solutions have often left many refugees living in tents across the city. Life as a refugee in Ireland can be challenging, bewildering, and frightening.
So this is where I began. It’s true that not everyone applying for refugee status is in a desperate situation, but I believe the most vulnerable should come first. With that in mind, I focused on them when I started writing my submission.
Where are they coming from?
To better understand how I should approach my submission, I examined the origins of most refugees in July 2024. The majority of applicants were from Nigeria, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, and Palestine—each of these locations faces distinct and serious challenges. It would be misguided to consider these individuals as a single, homogenous group, connected only by the fact that they are fleeing their countries. (Souce: IPO)
2nd stage of research. Build my reader profiles.
Reading interviews, discussing current issues with friends of mine who work with refugees and talking to some individuals who have gone to the systems themselves selves I built two fictionalised reader profiles to assist me in trying to understand the needs, goals and possible situation of a refugee in Ireland.
Name: Chinedu (fictional name)
Age: 32 years old
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Current Situation: Chinedu has recently arrived in Ireland after fleeing Nigeria due to threats to his life linked to political unrest. He is unfamiliar with the Irish asylum system. Chinedu is anxious about his future and eager to understand the steps necessary to secure refugee status in Ireland and begin a new chapter of his life.
Language Proficiency: Chinedu speaks fluent English but has limited experience with legal and bureaucratic terminology. He requires information that is clear and free of jargon.
Education Level: Chinedu has completed secondary education, He has no prior knowledge of the asylum process or legal systems outside Nigeria.
Concerns and Needs:
Clarity: Chinedu needs straightforward, step-by-step instructions on how to apply for asylum, including the necessary documents, the process's stages, and expected timelines.
Reassurance: He is likely experiencing significant anxiety about the uncertainty of the process and its outcomes. Supportive and reassuring language that addresses his concerns would be beneficial.
Cultural Orientation: As someone new to Irish society, Chinedu needs an introduction to how the Irish asylum system operates and a clear understanding of his rights and obligations.
Support Services: Information on where to find support services, such as legal assistance, psychological counselling, and language courses, would be highly valuable to him.
Preferred Communication Style:
Simple and Direct: Information should be presented in a clear and accessible manner, avoiding overly complex legal language.
Visually Aided: Visual aids, such as infographics and flowcharts, would help Chinedu better understand the asylum process.
Empathetic Tone: The content should be delivered in a compassionate and supportive tone, recognising the emotional strain associated with seeking asylum.
Goals:
Understand the Asylum Process: Chinedu’s primary objective is to learn how to apply for asylum, what to expect throughout the process, and the anticipated duration.
Know His Rights: He wants to be well-informed about his rights as an asylum seeker in Ireland, including the entitlements available to him while his application is being processed.
Access Support: Chinedu is keen to learn how to access services that can assist him with his application and his integration into Irish society.
Plan for the Future: Ultimately, Chinedu is looking for a pathway to stability and safety in Ireland, with the hope of building a secure and peaceful life away from the dangers he faced in Nigeria.
Country of Origin: Algeria
Age: 25
Current Situation: Amina recently arrived in Ireland after fleeing Algeria due to persecution related to her activism for women's rights. She is unfamiliar with the Irish asylum system and is currently staying in a Direct Provision centre. Amina is determined to understand the asylum process and secure her status in Ireland, where she hopes to find safety and continue her advocacy work in a supportive environment.
Language Proficiency: Amina speaks Arabic and French fluently, with a basic understanding of English. She can communicate in English but may struggle with complex language, especially legal and bureaucratic terms. She would benefit from information provided in simple English or with the option of translation.
Education Level: Amina has a university degree in sociology and has been actively involved in civil society work. Despite her educational background, she is unfamiliar with the legal processes involved in seeking asylum.
Concerns and Needs:
Language Support: Amina may need language support to fully understand the asylum process. Information in French or Arabic, or the availability of translation services, would be extremely helpful.
Clarity and Detail: Amina requires clear, detailed instructions on how to apply for asylum, including what documents she needs, the various steps in the process, and how long each stage might take.
Cultural Sensitivity: Given her background in women's rights activism, Amina may be sensitive to issues of gender equality and cultural integration. Information on how Ireland supports and protects women’s rights would be reassuring for her.
Support Networks: Amina needs to know where she can find support networks, both for legal advice and for connecting with communities that share her values and experiences. Access to counselling and mental health services would also be important.
Practical Guidance: She needs practical advice on daily living in Ireland, such as how to access healthcare, education, and social services while her asylum application is under review.
Preferred Communication Style:
Simple and Accessible: Information should be presented in clear, straightforward language, with options for translation into French or Arabic if possible.
Supportive and Empowering: The tone should be empathetic and supportive, recognising the challenges Amina faces as a woman who has fled persecution.
Visually Aided: Infographics, step-by-step guides, and other visual aids would help Amina understand the asylum process more easily.
Culturally Aware: Content should be sensitive to her cultural background and her experiences as a women’s rights activist.
Goals:
Understand the Asylum Process: Amina’s main goal is to learn how to apply for asylum, including understanding the process, what to expect, and how long it might take.
Know Her Rights: She wants to be informed about her rights as an asylum seeker in Ireland, particularly in relation to gender equality and protection from discrimination.
Access Support: Amina is keen to find out how to access support services, including legal aid, mental health support, and networks for women’s rights activists.
Plan for the Future: Ultimately, Amina seeks a safe and stable life in Ireland, where she can continue her work in advocacy and build a future free from the threats she faced in Algeria.
My Submission
I chose to create a variation of the Citizen Information Board’s page on the steps for applying for international protection in Ireland. The difference is that the information is presented in an interview format, with a fictionalised interviewee, while keeping most of the original details.
I decided on this approach because many people find it easier to understand information when it is presented as a narrative. This style may be more relatable and accessible for those who might feel overwhelmed by formal instructions. Additionally, presenting the information as an interview adds a personal touch, which can help readers connect more deeply with the content. This method encourages empathy and helps people visualise the process, making it easier for them to understand the steps.
This format also aims to create a more supportive and understanding environment for those seeking asylum in Ireland. The copy follows these guidelines:
Plain English: Avoid complex terms.
No Contractions: Write in full form (e.g., “do not” instead of “don’t”).
No Abbreviations: Spell out all terms fully.
No Idioms: Use simple, clear language without figurative expressions.
Explain Hyperlinks: Make sure any references to online resources are fully explained.
Short Paragraphs: Keep paragraphs concise for ease of reading.
These guidelines are in place to make the text accessible for screen readers, improve readability for those who are not fluent in English, and ensure that the information is clear and easy to follow.
You can read my submission if you’d like below the sources for this post:
Websites
UNHCR:
https://help.unhcr.org/ireland/applying-for-asylum/
Papers:
Grudulaite, L., & Zemaitaityte, I. (2022). The importance of narrative learning and reflexivity at work with foreigners granted asylum and the context of a non-governmental organization.
Clark C, & Rossiter, M. (2008) Narrative Learning in the Adult Classroom
Articles:
Tips for writing for non-native English speakers
https://hodigital.blog.gov.uk/2015/12/29/tips-for-writing-for-non-native-english-speakers/
TEXT SUBMISSION:
Are you confused about the asylum-seeking process? we sat down with Ahmed who told us about his experiences.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello, I am Ahmed. I am 32 years old and from Algeria. I left my home because I was concerned for my safety. I recently arrived in Ireland to seek asylum.
Hello Ahmed, What did you do when you first arrived in Ireland?
When I first arrived in Ireland, I was already very tired from the journey. I knew the next step was to seek asylum, but the process seemed overwhelming. I do not speak English very well and was unsure what to do. However, I was determined to find safety. On arrival, I was informed that I needed to visit the International Protection Office (IPO) in Dublin. It is located at 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 and since it is in the city centre, I could easily reach it by bus or train.
When I arrived, the staff treated me with respect and informed me that I would need to complete a preliminary interview to start my application. Click here to view the Internation Protection Office Website
What happened during your first interview?
I was nervous about the first interview, but I knew I had to be honest and clear. The officer asked me about my identity, where I came from, how I arrived in Ireland, and why I was seeking asylum. I explained everything, even though some experiences were difficult to talk about. After the interview, they took my photo and fingerprints. They explained that this information would be shared with EURODAC, a database that checks if I had applied for asylum in another country. If they found that I had applied elsewhere, I might have been sent back to that country. Fortunately, I had not applied anywhere else, so Ireland was the only country considering my application.
Click here to learn more EURODAC.
How did you find accommodation, and what was the next step in your application?
After the International Protection Office accepted my application, they informed me that I could stay in Ireland while it was processed. I was told that the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) would provide me with accommodation, known as direct provision. They also said I could not work or start a business while I waited, but if a decision was not made within five months, I could request permission to work.
Click here to learn more about the International Accommodation Service.
Click here to learn more about direct provision.
Click here to learn about requesting permission to work.
I was asked to fill out the International Protection Questionnaire, which was available in my language. This form was important, so it was recommended that I seek legal help. I contacted the Legal Aid Board, and they provided me with free advice on how to complete the form. This was a relief because I was worried about making mistakes. I submitted the questionnaire along with any supporting documents.
Click here to learn more about The Legal Aid Board.
Afterwards, I was given a Temporary Registration Certificate, which was not an official ID but allowed me to stay in Ireland while my application was being processed. Holding that certificate gave me a small sense of relief, knowing I had taken the first step towards safety.
What was your experience during the personal interview?
I was informed that I would have to undergo another interview, called the Personal Interview. This was the part of the process I was most worried about. I received help from the Legal Aid Board again, and they helped me prepare. The International Protection Office provided a translator, and I made sure we understood each other. The interviewer asked many questions, and I did my best to answer clearly and truthfully. The officer took notes during the interview, and I was given a chance to review them. If I disagreed with anything or thought something was missing, I could mention it. Finally, I signed the interview record to confirm it was accurate. Although some of the questions were upsetting because they reminded me of hardships I had experienced, I stayed calm and answered them clearly.
What happened after the personal interview?
After the interview, I had to wait for my application to be processed they said it could take 5 months or longer. During this time, the International Protection Office reviewed all the information I had provided, including the questionnaire, interview, and supporting documents. Thanks to the Citizens Information Board website, I was able to read about the rights available to me while I waited for the result.
Learn more about the rights you have while your application is being reviewed by clicking here.
The IPO would send their recommendation to both me and the Ministerial Decisions Unit (MDU) at the Department of Justice. The decision could lead to several outcomes: I could be declared a refugee, given subsidiary protection, or granted permission to remain. There was also a chance I would not receive any of these, which would mean I would have to leave Ireland. This waiting period was very stressful, as it can sometimes last over a year.
Did you eventually get refugee status?
Thankfully, the International Protection Office granted me refugee status. Although this was great news, I still had to wait for the Ministerial Decisions Unit’s final decision. Usually, the Ministerial Decisions Unit follows the International Protection Office’s recommendation, but I was told that sometimes they conduct additional checks, which could delay things further.
Click here to learn about appealing a decision by the International Protection Office.
The next step was to register with my local immigration office. I had 90 days to do so, but I was so excited that I did it as soon as I could. After registering, I was given an Irish Residence Permit card, which proved I was legally allowed to stay in Ireland. Although I know the road ahead will not be easy, I am very happy to be safe in Ireland and look forward to building my future here.
Click here to learn about registering at your local immigration office.
