The Irish government has unveiled a series of stringent measures aimed at addressing the increasing number of asylum seekers in the country. At a high-level ministerial meeting in Dublin on Wednesday, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and Junior Minister for Migration Colm Brophy presented the new policies, which include financial contributions from employed asylum seekers towards their state-provided accommodation. The charges will range from €15 (£13) to €238 (£208) per week, depending on the individual’s weekly income. For instance, those earning between €97.01 (£85) and €150 (£131) will pay €15 (£13), while those earning €600.01 (£526) or more will be charged €238 (£208). Additionally, the government has tightened family reunification rules and extended the residency requirement for citizenship applicants from three to five years. Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris defended the measures, calling them a ‘common sense approach.’ However, opposition parties have criticized the plan, with Labour TD Ged Nash accusing the government of ‘virtue signaling’ on immigration. Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy, on the other hand, supported the idea of asylum seekers contributing based on their means. The detailed announcement is expected after the Cabinet meeting concludes.