Jim O'Callaghan

The Department said 63 people, consisting of 54 adults and nine children, were removed on the flight, which departed Dublin Airport for Johannesburg just after 5pm on Saturday.

All of the children deported were part of family units, including the Oyekanmi family whose planned deportation sparked community protests and calls for reconsideration.

This was the second charter operation this year, and the eighth since the recommencement of charter flights to effect removals and deportation orders in 2025.

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

Justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “Charter flights are now a routine and essential part of immigration enforcement for the state.

“Without effective enforcement measures, our immigration laws would be undermined, and I want to ensure that there is public confidence in the application of our laws in this area.

“If a person does not have a legal permission to be in the State, or has been involved in criminality, they will be removed.

“I would like to thank the members of An Garda Síochána and officials from my department for their continued hard work in conducting these complex operations.”

Colm Brophy, minister of state with responsibility for migration, added: “I would like to acknowledge that the majority of South African nationals resident in Ireland are doing so legally, having entered the State though the various legal pathways available. They are welcome and contribute immensely to our economy and society.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to members of An Garda Síochána and Department officials.”