Ireland sees highest weekly asylum claims since September 2024

Ireland experienced its highest weekly influx of asylum seekers since September 2024, as 350 individuals lodged claims for international protection in the week ending Sunday. The figures, detailed in the Government's IPAS Weekly Arrival report, highlight a significant increase in arrivals.

The report breaks down the arrivals by demographics: 223 were single males, 32 single females, 44 were in couples, three were lone parent guardians, and 48 were children. Among the nationalities seeking asylum, those from Somalia constituted the largest group with 119 arrivals, followed by individuals from Pakistan, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Georgia.

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very close to 87.66% of people claiming international protection are crossing the border from Northern Ireland before claiming asylum here.

Currently, the IPAS system accommodates 33,122 people, a slight decrease of 119 individuals from the 33,241 recorded in December. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan addressed concerns about the influx, noting that a substantial portion of asylum seekers are entering Ireland from the United Kingdom via Northern Ireland.

Speaking before the Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Migration, Mr. O'Callaghan stated that "very close" to 87.66% of people claiming international protection in Ireland are crossing the border from Northern Ireland. He elaborated that these individuals arrive in Northern Ireland from the UK before proceeding to claim asylum in the Republic of Ireland.

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They are coming from the United Kingdom, arriving into Northern Ireland and coming down claiming international protection in Ireland.