Ireland Steps Up Deportations: 40% Rise in Orders as Government Targets Illegal and Overstaying Migrants

Dublin: The Department of Justice has intensified its crackdown on illegal and undocumented immigrants, with deportation orders soaring by 40% compared to last year, according to figures presented to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Data shows that 3,370 deportation orders have been issued in the first nine months of this year — a sharp rise from 2,403 in 2024 and 857 in 2023. The Department confirmed that many of those ordered to leave the country remain in Ireland for various legal and logistical reasons.

The individuals affected include refused asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and international students found working more hours than legally permitted.

According to officials, the largest number of asylum applications this year came from Nigeria (1,401), followed by Somalia (1,315), Pakistan (1,230), Afghanistan (967) and Georgia (690). The International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) is currently housing 32,617 people, including 9,567 children, across 316 centres nationwide.

So far this year, 9,589 new international protection applications have been received, while the number of pending refugee cases has dropped from 22,554 to 17,021. However, the average appeal processing time has increased to 12.8 months, up from 10 months in 2024.

The Department also reported a €52.9 million saving following the renegotiation of 104 IPAS accommodation contracts. Staffing at the International Protection Office has tripled since 2022, with 630 employees now handling immigration and asylum matters.

Officials told the PAC that deportations are costly and complex, and that the preferred EU-wide approach is to encourage voluntary returns where possible.

Sources also confirmed that a significant number of deportations involve Indian nationals, primarily students who exceeded their permitted working hours. Most were identified during workplace inspections. While the number of Indian refugees remains small, visa cancellations and voluntary departures among overstaying students have risen notably this year.

Irish Samachar English News

Kindly click to join WhatsApp group chat to get important news and breaking news from Irish Samachar

{OR} Kindly click to follow the Irish Samachar News channel on WhatsApp