Deportation flight to South Africa lands in latest charter operation

Jim O’Callaghan

Deportation orders against 42 South African nationals were enforced by charter flight yesterday. The flight departed Dublin airport at 15.30 and landed in Johannesburg this morning at 04:00 (Irish time).

Nine men, 18 women and 15 children were removed. All children were part of family units. Today’s operation is the fourth deportation charter flight to date in 2026. Three previous operations removed 130 people from the State, including 67 EU citizens on grounds of criminality.

This builds on six charter operations conducted in 2025 which saw the removal of 205 people from the State.

In 2025, 4,700 deportation orders were signed, an increase of 96 per cent compared to 2024. To date this year 2,108 deportation orders have been signed.

Commenting on this operation, Mr O’Callaghan said: “Our immigration system must be rules based and robust. The enforcement aspects of our laws, including deportation orders, are an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure there is public confidence in the application of our legislation in this area.

“The vast majority of South African nationals are legally resident in the State and positively contribute to society.I would like to thank the members of An Garda Síochána and officials from my department for their continued work in conducting these complex operations.”

Migration minister Colm Brophy added:“It is necessary to recognise that Ireland welcomes migrants as they play an important role in our economic, social, and community life. However, they must enter through the various legal pathways available and abide by the laws of the State. My department has taken significant action to improve enforcement measures with 4,700 deportation orders signed in 2025.”

The returnees were accompanied on the flight by members of An Garda Síochána, medical staff, an interpreter and a human rights observer.

The costs for the provision of the aircraft for this operation are €735,000 (ex VAT) for a return flight.