35 Nigerians have been deported by the Irish government for residing in the country without legal status, in a firm demonstration of its commitment to enforcing immigration laws.
The deportation, which was carried out on the night of June 4, 2025, involved a chartered flight from Dublin Airport to Nigeria and was coordinated by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Among those deported were nine women and five children, all of whom were part of family units. This operation marks the first deportation flight to Africa by the Republic of Ireland in 2025, and the third such charter operation conducted this year, according to a statement released by the GNIB.
Irish Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, underscored the critical importance of maintaining a structured and rules-based immigration framework. He emphasized that Ireland’s immigration system depends on the consistent enforcement of its laws.
“Ireland has a rules-based immigration system. It is important that those rules are robust and enforced,” O’Callaghan said. “The return of people whose applications have been refused and deportation orders have issued is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process.”
The Justice Minister further clarified that the deportation serves as a signal to those attempting to remain in Ireland illegally. “Removal operations of this nature send a clear message that there are consequences for people who remain in our country without permission,” he stated. “They underscore this Government’s intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system.”
During the deportation flight, an unscheduled stop was required due to a medical emergency onboard. However, the incident was resolved without further complications.
“The flight was required to make an unscheduled stop due to a medical incident on board, but I am happy to say that the flight was able to resume its journey with all 35 returnees arriving safely in Nigeria this morning,” O’Callaghan confirmed.
Ireland, like many other European countries, has been implementing stricter immigration controls in recent years. Officials maintain that international protection and asylum processes must be respected and that those whose applications are rejected must comply with the lawful orders to leave the country.
Concluding his remarks, O’Callaghan reiterated the necessity of legal migration pathways. “People coming to Ireland must follow the appropriate pathways for legal migration,” he stated. “These pathways must be adhered to and protected for our immigration system to work fairly and effectively.”
The mass deportation has sparked renewed discussion in both Ireland and Nigeria, drawing attention to broader debates surrounding migration policies, the enforcement of deportation orders, human rights considerations, and international cooperation in managing global migration challenges.