Human Rights Report Criticises Food and Handling on Ireland-Pakistan Deportation Flight

Dublin: A human rights monitoring report has revealed that pork sausages were served on a chartered deportation flight from Ireland to Pakistan, despite Pakistan being a predominantly Muslim country. The incident occurred during Ireland’s first chartered forced-return flight to Pakistan on September 23.

The flight was accompanied by a human rights monitor, along with Garda personnel, a doctor and an interpreter, in line with procedures followed during deportation operations overseen by the Department of Justice.

According to feedback included in the monitoring report, Garda members also expressed concerns about the quality of food provided on the flight, describing it as below acceptable standards and inappropriate for the passengers involved. The report stated that although halal food options were available, pork sausages were initially served as part of an Irish breakfast before the issue was later corrected.

The Department of Justice appoints independent monitors for deportation flights to assess the treatment, welfare and rights of returnees. Details of the operation emerged through monitoring reports obtained under Freedom of Information legislation.

Concerns Over Missing Belongings

While the reports generally concluded that deportations were carried out in a humane manner respecting the dignity and rights of returnees, repeated concerns were raised regarding the handling and return of personal belongings.

The report noted that several deportees experienced difficulties recovering their possessions after arrival in Islamabad. One individual reportedly lost his mobile phone, while another could not locate his luggage after disembarking. Both men returned to the aircraft in distress, and officials later assured them their belongings would be returned by the Garda and Irish Prison Service escort teams.

The men deported to Pakistan had been held overnight in three separate prisons prior to departure. Two were classified as high-risk individuals, with multiple Garda escorts assigned to each. The monitoring report also noted that the process of escorting and boarding deportees onto the aircraft was video recorded.

Georgian Deportation Flight Also Examined

The report also detailed another deportation operation carried out on November 3, 2025, involving a chartered flight to Georgia.

A total of 52 people were deported on that flight, including 35 men, seven women and three families with children aged between five months and 17 years. The operation involved 113 Garda escorts and two support staff members.

According to the monitor’s account, one man was brought onto the aircraft in handcuffs. The report stated that a loud bang and forceful commotion were heard as he was removed from a transport van. The individual was also reportedly demanding the return of his mobile phone during the incident.

Irish Samachar English News