Dublin, Ireland – In a move that has sparked renewed attention on Europe’s immigration enforcement policies, the Republic of Ireland has deported 35 people, including five Nigerian children, on a chartered flight from Dublin Airport, following the rejection of their asylum applications.
According to the Irish Times, the deportation, carried out on Wednesday, was overseen by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and involved 21 men, nine women, and five children. Authorities confirmed that the children were removed as part of family units.
In a statement issued after the operation, An Garda Síochána stated that it “continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy,” reinforcing the Irish government’s approach to enforcing immigration law.
This marks the third chartered deportation flight from Ireland this year, and follows a similar operation in February that removed 32 individuals to Georgia at a reported cost of €102,476.
“The Foundation of a Rules-Based System”
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan defended the decision, asserting that a functioning immigration system must be rooted in the enforcement of its legal parameters.
“People coming to Ireland must follow the appropriate pathways for legal migration… If a person’s application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State, they must do so,” he said.
The minister confirmed that Wednesday’s flight faced an unscheduled stop due to a medical incident on board but later resumed safely. All 35 returnees arrived in Nigeria early Thursday morning.
O’Callaghan praised the efforts of the GNIB and the Department of Justice, stating:
“Removal operations of this nature send a clear message that there are consequences for people who remain in our country without permission and underscores this Government’s intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system.”
Read Also: Starmer vows to slash immigration numbers amid farage pressure
Deportation Statistics Surge
According to updated figures from the Department of Justice, Ireland signed 2,403 deportation orders in 2024, reflecting a staggering 180% increase over 2023. So far this year, 1,940 new orders have already been issued, and 888 individuals have departed the country, either voluntarily or through enforced deportation.
This latest operation continues to raise questions about how Ireland balances its humanitarian obligations with border enforcement and national security.
While some government officials have lauded the decision as a necessary part of a “rules-based” immigration system, critics say the forced removal of children and families underscores the need for a more compassionate review process — particularly for asylum seekers fleeing conflict, poverty, or persecution.
Rights organizations have not yet issued formal responses to Wednesday’s operation, but migration advocates across Ireland and the EU are expected to weigh in over the coming days.
