Indian Embassy Reassures Students on Safety in Ireland

Dublin: The Indian Embassy in Ireland has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian students, stating that Ireland remains a safe, inclusive and welcoming country for international residents, including Indians.

The embassy noted that Ireland is among the safest countries globally for international students, ranking second worldwide and first in the European Union in the latest Global Peace Index. It added that more than 100,000 Indians currently live in Ireland, accounting for around 2 per cent of the population, and that the Indian community makes a significant contribution to healthcare, technology, education, business, research and cultural life.

In a statement, the embassy stressed that the actions of a small number of individuals do not reflect Irish society as a whole. While acknowledging challenges faced by Indian students — including racism, housing shortages, isolated racial attacks, job market pressures and the high cost of living — the embassy said such issues are being taken seriously by both Irish authorities and institutions.

The embassy described incidents of racism and xenophobic attacks reported last year as concerning, noting that they were widely condemned by the Irish government and society. It confirmed that An Garda Síochána has thoroughly investigated each case and that coordination with university security teams has been strengthened to enhance student support.

Around 10,000 Indian students travel to Ireland each year for higher education, making Ireland the second most popular EU destination for Indian students. The embassy acknowledged that accommodation shortages are a real challenge, not only in Ireland but internationally. It said many institutions are now prioritising on-campus housing for first-year students and providing guidance on accessing secure private accommodation. The Irish government and higher education sector are also working on new models to expand housing supply and student accommodation.

The statement highlighted growing collaboration between Indian and Irish universities in research, innovation and academic exchange, adding that Indian students continue to perform strongly within Ireland’s academic and innovation ecosystem.

However, Indian students themselves point to more difficult everyday realities. Many cite a weak job market, limited opportunities for visa sponsorship, and inadequate infrastructure as major concerns. High rents, poor-quality accommodation, and a lack of maintenance by landlords are frequently raised issues. Some students report long daily commutes due to the high cost of housing near campuses, affecting their ability to balance studies, part-time work and daily life.

Students living outside Dublin also describe limited public transport, poor road infrastructure, restricted access to healthcare, shops and restaurants, and a heavy reliance on private cars, which increases living costs. Several students say that had they been fully aware of these challenges beforehand, they might have chosen to study in countries such as the Netherlands, the UK, the US or Australia.

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