The Irish government has deported 42 South African nationals who were living illegally in the country back to Johannesburg, spending €735,000 on the initial enforcement operation.
According to The Irish Times, the individuals, comprising nine men, 18 women, and 15 children travelling within family units, were escorted from Dublin Airport on a charter flight and landed in South Africa yesterday marking the fourth major deportation charter flight conducted by Ireland so far this year.
The individuals were reportedly removed from the State on foot of deportation orders by the Garda National Immigration Bureau, which is issued if an individual is deemed to be living illegally in the State and does not take up an option for voluntary return to their home country.
The Irish authorities also disclosed that two of the deported individuals held prior criminal convictions in Ireland.
Irish Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan emphasised that while the majority of South Africans in Ireland maintain legal status, compliance with immigration frameworks remains a strict priority.
While Ireland legally categorises South Africa as a safe country of origin, citizens can only qualify for international asylum if they present documentary proof demonstrating a direct threat to their safety back home.
