Ireland’s Asylum Application Rates and New Legislation
Ireland experienced the fifth-highest rate of first-time asylum applications per capita within the European Union in 2025, despite a 30 percent decrease in the overall number of applications received. This comes as the government introduces new legislation aimed at streamlining the asylum process.
Asylum Application Statistics for 2025
According to figures released by the European Commission, Ireland received 12,975 first-time applications for international protection in 2025, a decrease of 5,460 from the previous year. The European Commission Representation in Ireland provides information on EU affairs and policies.
The application rate was 2.4 applicants per 1,000 population, ranking Ireland fifth in the EU, behind Greece (5.3), Cyprus and Spain (both 2.9), and Luxembourg (2.6). The European Commission reported an average rate of 1.5 applications per 1,000 population across the EU.
In 2024, Ireland had the third-highest rate with 3.4 applicants per 1,000 population, following Cyprus and Greece.
Countries of Origin
The largest number of asylum seekers in Ireland in 2025 came from Somalia (2,015 applications), followed by Nigeria (1,910), Pakistan (1,665), Afghanistan (1,290), and Georgia (865). These five countries accounted for over 60 percent of all applications. A significant shift occurred with Jordan, which saw a decrease from 2,860 applicants in 2024 to just 90 in 2025.
Demographic Breakdown
The demographic profile of asylum applicants in Ireland mirrored the EU average, with males aged 18-34 comprising 39 percent of all applicants. The number of unaccompanied minors seeking asylum decreased from 235 in 2024 to 210 in 2025.
Government Response and New Legislation
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan expressed concerns in December 2025 about maintaining “social cohesion” in light of asylum seeker numbers. The European Commission Representation in Ireland reported on Minister McEntee’s visit to Europe House in January 2026.
The International Protection Bill 2026 was published in January 2026, aiming to expedite asylum claim processing and improve decision-making efficiency. The legislation intends to reduce the time applicants spend in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) and lower the overall cost of the asylum system. It also seeks to facilitate the quicker return of applicants whose claims are denied.
EU-Wide Trends
the EU saw a 27 percent decrease in first-time asylum applications in 2025, with numbers falling in 24 member states, including Ireland. Latvia, Lithuania, and Hungary were the only countries to report slight increases. A total of 669,400 individuals sought international protection across the EU, the lowest annual total in four years.
Venezuela surpassed Syria as the primary country of origin for asylum seekers in the EU, with approximately 89,500 applications (13 percent of the total). Afghanistan followed with 63,800 (10 percent), and Syria with 40,000 (6 percent).
Application Distribution Across Europe
Spain received the highest number of applications in 2025, accounting for 21 percent of the EU total (141,000 applications). It was followed by Italy (126,000 – 19 percent), France (116,400 – 17 percent), Germany (113,200 – 17 percent), and Greece (55,400 – 8 percent). These five countries accounted for 83 percent of all asylum applications in the EU last year.
Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2026, playing a key role in EU decision-making. More information on Ireland’s EU presidency is available on the government website.
Related reading