Dublin: The Irish government has disclosed that significant funds have been allocated to facilitate deportation flights for undocumented immigrants, with costs rising annually. Official records obtained under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that expenditures on deportation, including travel expenses for officials escorting deportees, have steadily increased over the years.
Rising Costs of Deportation Flights
Figures from the Department of Justice show that €1.8 million has been spent on deportations over the past four years. Notably, €422,000 of this amount was allocated to business-class travel for escorting officers.
The yearly breakdown of deportation flight expenses is as follows:
- 2021: €37,000
- 2022: €210,000
- 2023: €463,000, with €161,000 spent on business-class seats for officials.
Records indicate that in 2023 alone, the total cost of deportation flights amounted to €100 million, with €262,000 spent on business-class travel for officials. Deportations were notably reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with removals limited to individuals convicted of serious crimes.
Deportation Statistics
The number of deportations carried out each year has varied, with 156 individuals deported in 2023. The nationalities of those removed last year include Georgia, South Africa, Albania, Brazil, Algeria, and Nigeria.
In 2022, 118 individuals were deported, including: Nigeria, Albania, Georgia, Brazil, Pakistan, China (including Hong Kong), India.
Deportations were significantly lower in 2021, with only 38 individuals removed, including 15 from Pakistan and 5 from Albania.
2024 Deportation Spending and Recent Charter Flight
So far in 2024, the government has already spent €102,000 on deportation flights. In February, a chartered flight deported 32 individuals—including three women and a child—to Georgia. The cost of this single operation was €102,000. Officials escorting the deportees did not require hotel accommodation and were reimbursed only for return travel expenses.
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