Ireland’s immigration enforcement authorities mounted their most extensive single-day removal operation in more than 20 years on the night of 3 November 2025. A chartered Airbus A320 departed Dublin Airport at 21:30 carrying 45 adults and 7 children whose applications for international protection or residence had been refused. The flight touched down in Tbilisi at 02:30 (Irish time) on 4 November.
The charter was organised by An Garda Síochána’s Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in conjunction with the Department of Justice. Medical personnel, an interpreter and an independent human-rights observer accompanied the returnees, in line with EU best-practice guidelines. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the operation “underlines our determination to protect the integrity of the migration system while providing fair procedures for those who need protection.”
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Six charter flights have now removed 205 people in 2025, while a further 146 individuals have been placed on commercial services. Together with 1,348 voluntary departures so far this year, enforced removals mean 2025 is on track to record the highest number of people leaving Ireland after negative asylum decisions since 2003. More than 3,870 deportation orders have been signed to date.
The scale of the flight reflects growing political pressure on the Government to speed up both first-instance decisions and returns. Processing times for new asylum claims have fallen to a median of eight months, but the number of applicants still exceeds accommodation capacity, with some 50 people arriving every day. Officials argue that visible enforcement deters unfounded claims and frees resources for those with genuine protection needs.
For employers, the immediate impact is limited, as none of the returnees held work permissions. Nevertheless, corporates should note the Government’s sharper focus on compliance: over-stayers and employees whose immigration permission has lapsed face a higher probability of inspection in 2026. Mobility managers are advised to audit right-to-work records and ensure that any staff awaiting renewal appointments use the ISD online portal and carry digital proof of extension when travelling.
The charter was organised by An Garda Síochána’s Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in conjunction with the Department of Justice. Medical personnel, an interpreter and an independent human-rights observer accompanied the returnees, in line with EU best-practice guidelines. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the operation “underlines our determination to protect the integrity of the migration system while providing fair procedures for those who need protection.”
Six charter flights have now removed 205 people in 2025, while a further 146 individuals have been placed on commercial services. Together with 1,348 voluntary departures so far this year, enforced removals mean 2025 is on track to record the highest number of people leaving Ireland after negative asylum decisions since 2003. More than 3,870 deportation orders have been signed to date.
The scale of the flight reflects growing political pressure on the Government to speed up both first-instance decisions and returns. Processing times for new asylum claims have fallen to a median of eight months, but the number of applicants still exceeds accommodation capacity, with some 50 people arriving every day. Officials argue that visible enforcement deters unfounded claims and frees resources for those with genuine protection needs.
For employers, the immediate impact is limited, as none of the returnees held work permissions. Nevertheless, corporates should note the Government’s sharper focus on compliance: over-stayers and employees whose immigration permission has lapsed face a higher probability of inspection in 2026. Mobility managers are advised to audit right-to-work records and ensure that any staff awaiting renewal appointments use the ISD online portal and carry digital proof of extension when travelling.
