Deportation Orders Surge by 140% in 2024: Minister McEntee to Update Cabinet
The number of deportation orders issued in Ireland has surged by a staggering 140% compared to the same period in 2023, according to figures Minister for Justice Helen McEntee will present to the Cabinet this week. This significant increase comes amidst ongoing efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement and address concerns about irregular migration.
Enforced Deportations and Voluntary Returns on the Rise
Alongside the rise in deportation orders, enforced deportations have also seen a substantial increase, jumping by 165% compared to 2023. The figures reveal that 98 individuals have been forcibly removed from the country so far this year. Notably, voluntary returns have also witnessed a significant boost, with 648 recorded in 2024 compared to 175 in the same period last year.
Gardaí Crackdown on Irregular Arrivals
Gardaí have intensified their efforts to apprehend individuals arriving in Ireland without proper documentation. This year, 138 arrests have been made for this offense, with a significant number of those apprehended subsequently convicted.
Boosting Deportation Capacity
The Irish government is actively working to enhance its capacity for enforced deportations. The process of securing charter flights, which will significantly increase deportation capacity, is expected to be finalized this year. Additionally, a plan to free up to 100 gardaí for specialized immigration enforcement duties, including deportations, is set to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2024.
Accelerated International Protection Processing
Minister McEntee will also update the Cabinet on measures taken to expedite the processing of applications for international protection. Introduced in November 2022, accelerated processing has led to substantial reductions in applications from specific countries. Currently, this accelerated process applies to:
- Applicants from safe countries of origin.
- Applicants who have received protection in other European countries.
The safe country list, which is regularly reviewed, currently includes 15 countries: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Egypt, Georgia, India, Kosovo, Malawi, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco, Serbia, and South Africa. Accelerated processing for applicants from Nigeria and Jordan has been implemented.
Protecting the Common Travel Area
The Department of Justice is collaborating with the UK Home Office, Gardaí, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland to safeguard the Common Travel Area (CTA) from potential abuses. Joint operations between the Garda National Immigration Bureau and UK Border Force and Immigration Enforcement are ongoing to detect and address CTA-related irregularities.
Criticism from Aontú Leader
Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín has criticized the figures, describing them as “damning.” He points out that a significant majority of the issued deportation orders remain unfulfilled, highlighting the need for the government to expedite the process, including securing charter flights for enforced deportations.
Call to Action
The ongoing debate surrounding immigration and deportation in Ireland underscores the complex challenges faced by the government in balancing border security with humanitarian concerns. The public is encouraged to stay informed on this developing issue and engage in constructive dialogue to shape future policies.