Jim O'Callaghan

Yesterday’s enforcement of deportation orders against 52 Georgians — 45 adults and seven minors — brings the total number of people removed by charter flights so far this year to 205.

Last night’s flight was the sixth such charter flight of the year. The returnees were accompanied on the flight by gardaí, medical staff, an interpreter and a human rights observer.

A further 146 people have been removed from the State this year on commercial flights.

Justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “Deportations play an essential role to ensure that our immigration system is not undermined, and that people follow the pathways already in place for legal migration. Today’s operation reinforces my commitment in this area.

“I would like to thank members of An Garda Siochana and my officials for their continued work in conducting these complex and sensitive operations.

“This is the sixth charter operation so far in 2025 and deportations and removals will continue for the remainder of the year.

“I would like to re-iterate that if a person’s application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State, they must do so. If they choose not to leave voluntarily, they will be forced to leave.

“I am dedicated to strengthening enforcement measures and this is evident with over 3,870 deportation orders signed so far this year.”

Colm Brophy, minister for migration, added: “Charter operations are used as a last resort, but are a key aspect of our removals process and play an important part in removing people from the State who do not have a legal right to be here.

“I would like to thank An Garda Siochana and officials involved for their continued professionalism when carrying out these operations.

“I would like to highlight that the majority of Georgian people 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.

“Charter flights provide an alternative to commercial flights and can be more appropriate in circumstances when a group of people are being removed to the same destination.”

Mr O’Callaghan concluded: “The government has a voluntary return programme available for people who have no legal status, or who have had their international protection application withdrawn or refused. This is the preferred option, and people can only avail of this prior to the issuance of deportation order.

“I recently announced that people who were in the international protection process before 28 September 2025, will be offered an increased allowance, for a limited time, if they leave at an earlier stage in the process. This aims to reduce pressure on the system from the high number of applications received in recent years.

“So far this year, 1,348 people have left the State by way of voluntary return.”