Third deportation charter flight removes 35 people to Nigeria
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Jim O'Callaghan
Deportation orders have been enforced against 35 people, including five children, who have been removed from Ireland to Nigeria by charter flight.
Last night’s operation was the third conducted since the recommencement of charter flights for deportations in February and the first such flight destined for Africa, with both previous flights removing people to Georgia.
The Department of Justice says access to charter flights has “significantly increased” the capacity of An Garda Síochána to enforce deportation orders.
The total number of people removed by charter flight this year is now 106, in addition to 54 deportation orders enforced on commercial flights and 23 people subject to deportation orders who have left Ireland unescorted.
Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “Ireland has a rules-based immigration system. It is important that those rules are robust and enforced. The return of people whose applications have been refused and deportation orders have issued is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process.
“People coming to Ireland must follow the appropriate pathways for legal migration and these pathways must be adhered to and protected for our immigration system to work fairly and effectively. If a person’s application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State they must do so.”
He added: “This is the third charter operation this year. Removal operations of this nature send a clear message that there are consequences for people who remain in our country without permission and underscores this Government’s intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system.
“The flight was required to make an unscheduled stop due to a medical incident on board, but I am happy to say that the flight was able to resume its journey with all 35 returnees arriving safely in Nigeria this morning.
“I want to thank the members of An Garda Síochána and my officials for their work in conducting this successful operation.”
Colm Brophy, minister for migration, said: “This Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order.
“This is the preferred option, and I would encourage those who are provided the opportunity to return voluntarily to avail of it.
“So far this year, 694 people have availed of the voluntary return programme.”
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