As the UK intensifies efforts to deter illegal immigration, Ireland is facing a new challenge: tens of thousands of asylum seekers entering the country through Northern Ireland without border checks. An emergency bill has swiftly passed through the cabinet, aiming to deport asylum seekers back to the UK by the end of May. However, the UK Prime Minister has made it clear that they are not interested in accepting them.
The surge in asylum seekers has exacerbated social issues related to immigration and housing crises. The number of people housed in national accommodation centers has exceeded 30,000 for the first time. The new Irish Prime Minister has stated that efforts are being made to collaborate across departments to address the challenges of accommodating these individuals.
On May 10th, the new Prime Minister Simon Harris announced plans to coordinate various government agencies to address the influx of asylum seekers and accommodation challenges. Harris highlighted actions taken to dismantle makeshift tents set up by asylum seekers on the roadside, providing them with safer and better living conditions in national accommodation centers.
Despite these measures, the Prime Minister acknowledged that resolving the accommodation issues for asylum seekers remains extremely challenging. Over the past few months, the number of asylum seekers arriving in Ireland has significantly increased at an unprecedented rate. Official data shows a doubling of asylum applications in March compared to the same period last year. Even with tightened immigration policies earlier in the year, the influx of asylum seekers continues.
The joint government, already grappling with immigration and housing crises, faces additional headaches as they provide temporary accommodation and necessary services for asylum seekers. The International Protection Accommodation Service Center is responsible for providing welfare services to asylum seekers. The latest official data shows a record number of over 30,000 people urgently accommodated, with over 1,800 individuals queuing for beds.
A recent survey revealed that over 80% of Irish citizens support the deportation of asylum seekers entering from Northern Ireland back to the UK. Half of the respondents expressed a desire for border checkpoints to prevent illegal immigration, even among supporters of the opposition party Sinn Féin, where the percentage agreeing on border checkpoints reached 25%.
Immigration has become an increasingly significant political issue in Ireland as asylum applications have been on the rise since 2021. In 2022, asylum applications surpassed 13,000 for the first time, marking a 400% increase compared to 2021. The International Protection Office reported over 5,100 asylum applications in the first three months of this year, a 70% increase from the same period last year.
The influx of refugees, particularly a large number of single adult males, has unsettled local residents and heightened social tensions. Dublin witnessed protests against illegal immigration on May 6th, with demonstrators waving Irish flags and carrying banners stating “Ireland belongs to the Irish,” “Economic migrants are not refugees,” and “Irish lives matter.” The demonstrations underscore the growing concerns within the community regarding the impact of the refugee crisis.