Ireland is set to return asylum seekers who entered the country from the UK, citing concerns about the increasing number of arrivals and potential issues with the Rwandan asylum policy.
London (AX) — The Irish government is gearing up to tackle the influx of Somali asylum seekers and migration issues from the UK by introducing emergency laws to deport those who first entered the UK before coming to Ireland. This move comes amidst fears that British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plan to deport individuals to Rwanda is prompting asylum seekers to reroute to Ireland.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee revealed that a whopping eighty percent of recent arrivals had passed through the UK-Ireland border. In response, McEntee has been tasked with drafting new laws that would enable the repatriation of international protection applicants deemed inadmissible back to the UK.
These proposed laws are in line with the government’s overall strategy to fortify its immigration system. A spokesperson for Taoiseach Harris emphasized, “Ireland has a system based on rules that must be applied firmly and fairly.”
The implementation of UK Prime Minister Sunak’s policy to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda has directly impacted Ireland, prompting a surge in migration towards the country. Many are trying to avoid potential deportation to Rwanda, leading Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin to highlight growing concerns among migrants and emphasize the policy’s effects on Ireland as individuals seek refuge within the EU.
The issue of immigration and refugee treatment has become especially significant in Ireland, amplified by a housing crisis that has heightened tensions and fueled anti-immigrant sentiments. This crisis was exemplified by a riot in central Dublin last November and more recently in County Wicklow, where clashes with police arose during a protest over refugee accommodations.
Despite these societal strains, Ireland has continued to embrace refugees, with over 100,000 recently received, mostly from Ukraine. Nevertheless, the strain on resources and public services has intensified discussions on Ireland’s capacity and willingness to accommodate new arrivals.
Human rights activist Sulaiman Mohamed Abdullahi, leader of the Horn of Africa Peoples Aid of Northern Ireland, has expressed concerns about Ireland’s growing number of asylum seekers. He suggested that forthcoming legislation could bolster border security and prevent asylum seekers from entering Ireland via the UK.
Abdullahi also noted that, despite these measures, the influx of individuals seeking better lives is expected to persist. He acknowledged that while Ireland is an EU member, revising EU-wide immigration laws could be a lengthy process. Should asylum seekers be denied refuge in Ireland, they might seek legal recourse through EU courts.
