Irish News Ireland Carries Out First Charter Flight Deportation Under New Contract

A chartered deportation flight carrying 32 people, including three women and one child, left Dublin for Tbilisi, Georgia last night.

This marks the first deportation operation under a new contract signed by the Irish government last November for the provision of charter flights for deportations.

Minister for Justice: “If You’re Not Entitled to Asylum, Don’t Come to Ireland”​

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan confirmed the deportation, stating:

"The flight left Dublin with 32 people who had previously received deportation orders. It landed safely, and the people are back in Georgia."

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Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, O'Callaghan emphasized that deportation is a last resort, used when individuals fail to leave voluntarily.

"If you're seeking asylum and you're not entitled to asylum – don't come to Ireland."

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Details of the Deportation Operation​

• 28 men, three women, and one child were deported.
• The child was part of a family unit deported together.
• The flight was escorted by Gardaí, medical staff, an interpreter, and a human rights observer.

Background on Deportation Policy​

According to the Department of Justice, individuals who overstay their visa or have their asylum application rejected are offered assistance to return home voluntarily.

"When this option is not availed of, they are liable to be deported by the Garda National Immigration Bureau."

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Rising Numbers of Asylum Seekers from Georgia​

The latest International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) report shows that 2,992 Georgian nationals are currently in IPAS accommodation.

In 2023, Georgia was among the top five countries of origin for asylum seekers in Ireland, alongside Nigeria, Algeria, Afghanistan, and Somalia.

The government has signaled a tougher stance on illegal immigration, with deportation flights expected to continue under the new contract.