New data suggests that most asylum seekers arriving in Ireland may have entered the country from Northern Ireland. This has raised concerns about the shared travel area between Ireland and the UK, affecting how both countries manage immigration.
New figures show that a large number of people seeking asylum in Ireland may have come through Northern Ireland. Up to 90% of these individuals might have crossed the land border in the last three years.
This situation concerns the Common Travel Area, which allows free movement between Ireland and the UK. While used in both directions, data suggests it is more often used by those seeking asylum in Ireland.
Before 2019, fewer people sought asylum in Ireland. However, numbers grew significantly, with most people applying in person at an office in Dublin, rather than at airports or ports.
Recent events, including an incident in Belfast, have brought more attention to this issue. The Irish and British governments are working closely to manage the shared border and address these concerns.
They also plan to restart an agreement to return asylum seekers from the UK to Ireland. This agreement was paused but will now be put back in place.
