Ireland Faces Backlash After Spending €735,000 to Deport 42 South Africans in Immigration Crackdown
- Irish authorities deported 42 South African nationals living in the country without legal permission
- The group of nine men, 18 women, and 15 children arrived in their home country on Friday, June 19
- Ireland’s Minister for Justice stated that immigration enforcement is essential for system integrity
Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!
A total of 42 South African nationals who were living in Ireland without legal permission have been deported on a chartered flight.
Source: UGC
The operation was conducted by the Garda National Immigration Bureau as part of an immigration enforcement drive by Irish authorities.
The group departed from Dublin Airport on Thursday, June 18, and landed in South Africa on Friday morning.
The deportees included nine men, 18 women, and 15 children, with the youngsters involved deported as part of their family units.
According to The Irish Times on June 19, 2026, two of the individuals included in the deportation group held criminal convictions in Ireland.
Ireland government emphasises immigration rules
Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, addressed the situation, noting that the vast majority of South Africans residing in the country do so legally.
He emphasised that the Irish immigration system must remain 'rules-based and robust'.
He further explained that enforcement actions, including deportations, are deemed essential by the government to ensure the system functions effectively and to maintain public confidence in existing immigration laws.
The individuals have since completed their travel and arrived in South Africa.
Read more details about the deportation of 42 South Africans in Ireland in the X post below.
Ireland's deportation of South Africans sparks backlash
The cost of deporting South Africans from the European nation has gone viral online, drawing widespread public attention and sparking heated debate.
Reports indicate that Ireland’s operation to repatriate alleged illegal immigrants has come under scrutiny after it emerged that the exercise cost the state at least €735,000 (approximately GHc 13.2 million).
The figure has triggered intense discussion on social media, with many users questioning the efficiency and justification of the expenditure.
YEN.com.gh has compiled a selection of reactions from netizens:
@jacknichll:
“At a cost of €735k — they’re breaking this country.”
@MoorcroftRico:
“Why don’t we have a strategic airlift aircraft in the Air Corps to do this cheaper? It would be a national asset.”
@raglanroad007:
“Why just South Africans? What about others…? 42 is a very poor number.”
@Mickmac3210:
“42 out, 420 in. Nothing short of a publicity stunt.”
@john003:
“It is an expensive process…”
Source: UGC
Ireland unveils new visa requirements
YEN.com.gh also previously reported that the Government of Ireland had announced new visa requirements, mandating citizens from specific global regions to secure entry documents before arrival.
Under the new directive, nationals of Saint Lucia, Nicaragua, and Saint Kitts and Nevis will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland, with the measures scheduled to take effect on June 15, 2026.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
