Asylum-seekers are people who seek state protection in another country on the grounds that they are fleeing persecution. Once asylum-seekers are granted such protection, including the right not to be returned to their home countries, they become refugees. Asylum-seekers in Ireland are entitled to State benefits, but only some who have been living in the State for more than a year have the right to work with a work permit. Their children are entitled to primary and secondary school education. They are not entitled to free adult education and the State does not provide language classes. They cannot travel outside the State without permission while their application is being processed. Some 17,100 people have applied for asylum since 1992.