No fewer than 42 South African nationals living illegally in Ireland were deported back to Johannesburg, arriving on Friday aboard a chartered flight.
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The deportees included nine men, 18 women, and 15 children, with the children deported as part of their family units. They departed from Dublin Airport on Thursday afternoon and landed in South Africa on Friday morning.
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Deportation Details and Criminal Convictions
According to reports from The Irish Times on June 19, 2026, two of the individuals in the deportation group held criminal convictions in Ireland. The deportation operation was carried out by the Garda National Immigration Bureau following enforcement orders.
The initial cost of the deportation was €735,000 ($853,000).
Minister for Justice Emphasizes Rules-Based Immigration System
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 emphasized that the Irish immigration system must remain “rules-based and robust.”
O’Callaghan 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.
New Visa Requirements Announced
Earlier, the Government of Ireland announced new visa requirements. Effective Monday, June 15, 2026, nationals of Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia must obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland, including for transit through the country.
The updated rules mandate that citizens from specific global regions must secure entry documents before arrival.
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