The number of people applying for asylum in Ireland has dropped by 40% so far this year, while the number of deportation orders has tripled in the same period, reports The Sun.
The Government has promised a major increase in the number of charter flights used to deport individuals from Ireland.
This comes as Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan adopts a tougher approach to illegal immigration, leading to a sharp rise in deportation orders, reports The Sun.
Between January and March of this year, 3,021 people applied for international protection in Ireland — a significant drop from 5,162 applications during the same time last year.
The number of weekly asylum applications has been declining since October 2024.
In March, only 847 people sought asylum — a decrease of more than 50% compared to March of the previous year, reports The Sun.
That figure also represents the lowest monthly total for new asylum applicants since April 2023.
The five main countries from which people are seeking asylum in Ireland are Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Georgia.
This reduction in new arrivals coincides with a surge in deportation orders issued by the Department of Justice, reports The Sun.
Data shows that 1,202 deportation orders have been signed by the Justice Minister so far this year.
That’s nearly three times the 424 orders issued during the same period in 2024, reports The Sun.
The Government has intensified efforts to manage illegal immigration, including a new contract to use charter flights for deportations.
In March, the Government spent over €100,000 to charter a flight returning 32 rejected asylum seekers to Georgia.
Despite the 1,202 deportation orders issued this year, official records show that only 480 people have actually left Ireland, reports The Sun.
Minister O’Callaghan is working on new legislation, which he says will mark the most extensive overhaul of the asylum system in Ireland’s history.
This legislation will also allow Ireland to fully implement the EU Migration Pact, designed to improve cooperation among member states on migration issues, reports The Sun.
Earlier this week, the Minister signed off on a measure that allows him to revoke citizenships obtained fraudulently or by individuals considered a threat to national security.
Since taking office, the Fianna Fáil TD has adopted a more hardline approach to tackling illegal immigration.
He previously said: “Last year 18,500 people applied for asylum in Ireland. It’s important that we get control of the numbers. The message that needs to go edge is if you’re seeking international protection, if you’re seeking asylum and you’re not entitled to asylum, don’t come to Ireland,” reports The Sun.
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