Statement on Welfare Checks

6 June 2025

Red Umbrella Éireann are aware that Gardaí are doing a large-scale operation of so-called “welfare checks” across several counties this week. Gardaí are pretending to be clients to make appointments with sex workers to then turn up in groups of between three to seven officers to question the workers. They demand to be shown passports and visas and have been accompanied by immigration officers on some visits.

Gardaí carry out these operations under the pretense of tackling human trafficking while their true purpose is to surveil, register and disrupt sex workers who are working to earn a living. The stress and fear caused by these intrusive actions are damaging to sex workers. We are already working under repressive laws that prevent us from working together for safety and target our income through client criminalisation. Any claims that the Nordic Model laws are there for our protection fall flat when we continue to be hassled and violated by Gardaí in this way.

These actions by the Gardaí should be condemned by anyone who cares about the rights of sex workers. This is little more than harassment that endangers sex workers by exposing us to neighbours and possibly landlords, putting us at risk of eviction. Gardaí targeting migrant sex workers, in partnership with immigration officials, is especially concerning given the rising racism and increased deportations we are seeing across the country.

When Gardaí come to your door, you do not need to open it for them unless they have a warrant. You do not have to give them any information or go to the station with them unless you’re under arrest. 

For any sex workers who want information on their rights, have a look at the Sex Workers Alliance Ireland “Know Your Rights” card linked here. It is available in multiple languages including Romanian, Portuguese, Spanish and Mandarin.

We also advise all sex workers to use Ugly Mugs to access safety reports.