Dublin: Gardaí have arrested 50 individuals who entered Ireland from the UK without the required visa during recent emigration checks at the border. Conducted by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) with the assistance of Roads Policing Units, these checks spanned four days from May 20.
Those found to have entered Ireland illegally and refused to return voluntarily were sent back to the United Kingdom via ferry from Dublin Port to Holyhead and Belfast.
Operation Sonnet
Dubbed ‘Operation Sonnet,’ this initiative aimed to apprehend individuals illegally crossing between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This operation marks the third such initiative in Dublin within a month. Since the last quarter of 2023, 107 individuals have been identified entering the country without necessary visas or adequate identification documents, with an additional 50 apprehended during this latest operation.
Regular Immigration Checks
Regular immigration checks are carried out at the border to detect violations of immigration laws and prevent abuse of the Common Travel Area. Checks are also conducted in Dundalk, serving as the first port of entry from Northern Ireland. Gardaí have emphasised a human rights approach to those apprehended, maintaining regular contact with bus and trail operators.
The GNIB works closely with the UK Border Force, the UK Policing Service, and the PSNI. The Cross Border Joint Action Task Force (JATF) monitors both borders to ensure compliance and cooperation.
Statements from Leadership
Prime Minister Simon Harris underscored the importance of a “compassionate and common sense” approach to immigration, emphasising the need to protect the integrity of the Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK.
In addition to the border checks, approximately 100 tents were recently removed from Grant Canal Road, and barricades have been erected there to prevent further illegal encampments.
Irish Samachar English News
{OR} Kindly click to follow the Irish Samachar News channel on WhatsApp