Sharp Decline in Asylum Applications in Ireland During Early 2025
Ireland has recorded a significant drop in the number of people seeking international protection, with applications falling by over 40% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Between January and March this year, 3,021 individuals applied for asylum, down from 5,162 during the first three months of 2024. The downward trend has been evident since October, with just 847 applications recorded in March alone — a reduction of more than 50% year-on-year.
Nigeria continues to be the leading country of origin among applicants. Other top countries for March include Pakistan, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Georgia, which had dropped out of the top five in December 2023 despite being labelled a safe country since 2018, has reappeared on the list.
Figures show that 480 individuals have departed Ireland through various return mechanisms, including voluntary and enforced removals. That’s a 238% increase on the 142 recorded returns during the same time frame in 2024.
Enforced deportations climbed by 161%, with 60 carried out so far this year, while voluntary returns more than tripled to 407, up from 109 last year.
In February, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan stated that "too many people" were applying for protection in Ireland without having a legitimate basis. Over 80% of claims were rejected at first instance in January alone. His department is now preparing for major reforms to Ireland’s asylum process in line with the upcoming EU Migration and Asylum Pact, set to come into effect in June 2026.
The western African route, while showing a 40% reduction, remained the most active corridor for irregular migration in January and February. Migrants using this route largely originated from Mali, Senegal, and Guinea.
Meanwhile, BBC News reported that over 5,000 people had crossed the English Channel between January and March — the highest number ever recorded for that time of year.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Henderson said, “It’s clear the Irish Government has taken measures that limit access to the asylum system. While there is a general decline across Europe, the domestic policies introduced last year are clearly having an impact.”
However, he warned that the current approach may lack fairness, stressing the importance of maintaining a just and humane asylum process.
“We remain deeply concerned about the absence of a fairer approach and the sustainability of Ireland’s protection system,” he said.
He also expressed unease over reports that tents may be used to house asylum seekers, warning that such measures do not meet international standards for adequate accommodation.
www.rte.ie
Ireland has recorded a significant drop in the number of people seeking international protection, with applications falling by over 40% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Between January and March this year, 3,021 individuals applied for asylum, down from 5,162 during the first three months of 2024. The downward trend has been evident since October, with just 847 applications recorded in March alone — a reduction of more than 50% year-on-year.
Nigeria continues to be the leading country of origin among applicants. Other top countries for March include Pakistan, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Georgia, which had dropped out of the top five in December 2023 despite being labelled a safe country since 2018, has reappeared on the list.
Surge in Deportation Orders and Returns
According to the Department of Justice, the number of deportation orders issued up to April 4 has risen sharply—up 183% from the same period in 2024. A total of 1,202 deportation orders have been signed so far this year, compared to 424 last year.Figures show that 480 individuals have departed Ireland through various return mechanisms, including voluntary and enforced removals. That’s a 238% increase on the 142 recorded returns during the same time frame in 2024.
Enforced deportations climbed by 161%, with 60 carried out so far this year, while voluntary returns more than tripled to 407, up from 109 last year.
In February, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan stated that "too many people" were applying for protection in Ireland without having a legitimate basis. Over 80% of claims were rejected at first instance in January alone. His department is now preparing for major reforms to Ireland’s asylum process in line with the upcoming EU Migration and Asylum Pact, set to come into effect in June 2026.
EU Trends Show Similar Decline
Elsewhere in Europe, Frontex — the EU's border agency — has reported a 25% drop in irregular border crossings into the bloc during the first two months of 2025. Despite the overall decrease, the central Mediterranean route saw a 48% rise in arrivals, making it the second most active pathway into the EU.The western African route, while showing a 40% reduction, remained the most active corridor for irregular migration in January and February. Migrants using this route largely originated from Mali, Senegal, and Guinea.
Meanwhile, BBC News reported that over 5,000 people had crossed the English Channel between January and March — the highest number ever recorded for that time of year.
Irish Refugee Council Raises Concerns
Nick Henderson, Chief Executive of the Irish Refugee Council, attributed the drop in Irish asylum applications to a combination of tougher government policies and broader European trends.Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Henderson said, “It’s clear the Irish Government has taken measures that limit access to the asylum system. While there is a general decline across Europe, the domestic policies introduced last year are clearly having an impact.”
However, he warned that the current approach may lack fairness, stressing the importance of maintaining a just and humane asylum process.
“We remain deeply concerned about the absence of a fairer approach and the sustainability of Ireland’s protection system,” he said.
He also expressed unease over reports that tents may be used to house asylum seekers, warning that such measures do not meet international standards for adequate accommodation.
Numbers seeking asylum in Ireland down 40% on last year
The number of people applying for international protection in Ireland has fallen by more than 40% over the first three months of the year compared to the same period in 2024.
