The research was conducted in 2023 and 2024 and aims to understand personal experiences and perspectives of migrant sex workers, focusing on the intersection of housing and sex work. Understanding the housing experiences of migrant sex workers in Ireland is important as it is key to the betterment of their wellbeing, and it unveils broader societal issues. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight migrant sex workers.

Key themes of the research include:

• difficulties in finding suitable accommodation
• substance use
• entry into sex work
• experiences of discrimination and predatory behaviour by landlords and property management companies

Key takeaways

• Three-quarters of participants started sex work due to financial reasons
• Brothel-keeping laws prevent sex workers from protecting themselves against predatory management
• Three-quarters of participants rented private accommodation, while 25% were homeless or lived in hostels
• 2 of the 8 are homeless, living in a hostel. Of those privately renting, 33% avail of HAP
• The majority of participants lived in their current housing for 1 and 2 years
• Several participants in this study have experienced eviction and some level of homelessness.
• Several participants related experiences of discrimination when seeking or applying for housing

Calls to Action

• Decriminalise sex work
• Abolish brothel-keeping laws
• Increase affordable housing
• Strengthen tenant protection
• Destigmatise sex work
• Develop supporting housing programs 

PDF pages 17-20 - Substance use (for the 8 participants)