Asylum Applications to Ireland Fall by 29% as Government Tightens Immigration System

Dublin: The number of people seeking international protection in Ireland fell by 29.1% in 2025, according to new figures released by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, reflecting a significant decline in asylum applications as the government introduces stricter immigration measures and faster processing procedures.

A total of 13,146 applications for international protection were received in 2025, down from 18,553 in 2024. While the decrease marks a notable shift after last year’s record high, application numbers remain well above the levels recorded before 2022.

Applications remain above pre-2022 levels

The annual figures show the sharp rise in asylum applications over recent years:

• 2020: 1,565 applications

• 2021: 2,647

• 2022: 13,642

• 2023: 13,271

• 2024: 18,553

• 2025: 13,146

Although applications have declined, Ireland’s asylum system continues to face significant pressure compared with pre-pandemic years.

Somalia, Nigeria and Pakistan top applicant countries

Somalia recorded the highest number of applications in 2025, with 2,021 applicants, followed by:

• Nigeria: 1,940

• Pakistan: 1,680

• Afghanistan: 1,290

These four nationalities accounted for a substantial share of all international protection applications submitted during the year.

Ongoing conflict, insecurity, drought and food shortages continue to drive displacement from Somalia, while economic hardship and violence remain key factors for applicants from Nigeria. Political instability, security concerns and allegations of persecution have contributed to applications from Pakistan.

The government has stressed, however, that submitting an asylum application does not automatically result in refugee status or protection being granted.

Faster processing of asylum claims

Authorities significantly increased the pace of decision-making during 2025.

A total of 20,177 first-instance decisions were issued, compared with:

• 13,916 in 2024

• 8,793 in 2023

The figures indicate that immigration authorities processed more cases than the number of new applications received during the year.

Approval rate continues to decline

Despite faster processing, the proportion of applicants granted protection has continued to fall.

In 2025:

• 3,743 applicants received refugee status or subsidiary protection.

• This represented 18.5% of all first-instance decisions.

• The remaining 16,434 cases were rejected, withdrawn or otherwise closed.

The percentage of positive decisions has steadily declined over the past four years, while the share of rejected or withdrawn applications has risen from 28% in 2022 to 81% in 2025.

New immigration law introduced

Minister O’Callaghan also confirmed that the International Protection Act 2026 came into force on 12 June 2026, implementing Ireland’s obligations under the European Union’s new asylum and migration framework.

Under the new legislation:

• Standard asylum applications are to be processed within six months.

• Border procedure applications should be completed within three months.

• Applications from individuals who have previously sought protection in another EU country are to be decided within two months.

The government says the reforms are designed to create a faster, more efficient and more consistent asylum system across the European Union.

Officials believe that the combination of lower application numbers, faster processing times and stricter assessment procedures will strengthen Ireland’s border management and improve the efficiency of the country’s international protection system.

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