A 25-year-old Afghan national living in Dublin has been charged with assisting unlawful immigration following his arrest at Belfast’s Grand Central Station on 19 November. National Crime Agency (NCA) officers intercepted the suspect after he travelled by train from Dublin with a couple and their two small children, allegedly intending to reach England via the Common Travel Area (CTA).
The rapid-response operation, detailed in court on 21 November, highlights rising misuse of the open Irish-UK land border for clandestine onward travel. According to the NCA, more than 100 live investigations now target networks exploiting the CTA’s minimal routine checks.
![Alleged facilitator charged after Afghan family caught on Dublin-Belfast train in people-smuggling probe]()
For businesses relocating staff between Ireland and the UK, the case underscores heightened scrutiny on cross-border rail and coach services. Carriers may face increased spot checks, potentially adding delays on the Dublin-Belfast corridor that many executives use to reach London via Northern Ireland airports.
Immigration lawyers note that while the CTA allows visa-free travel for most Irish-resident non-EU nationals already lawfully in the State, those holding temporary permission (including asylum applicants) must still carry evidence of status when crossing. Sponsors should remind employees to travel with in-date Irish Residence Permits and, where required, a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation from April 2025.
The accused has been remanded in custody until 28 November. The Afghan family are in immigration detention pending asylum interviews.
The rapid-response operation, detailed in court on 21 November, highlights rising misuse of the open Irish-UK land border for clandestine onward travel. According to the NCA, more than 100 live investigations now target networks exploiting the CTA’s minimal routine checks.
For businesses relocating staff between Ireland and the UK, the case underscores heightened scrutiny on cross-border rail and coach services. Carriers may face increased spot checks, potentially adding delays on the Dublin-Belfast corridor that many executives use to reach London via Northern Ireland airports.
Immigration lawyers note that while the CTA allows visa-free travel for most Irish-resident non-EU nationals already lawfully in the State, those holding temporary permission (including asylum applicants) must still carry evidence of status when crossing. Sponsors should remind employees to travel with in-date Irish Residence Permits and, where required, a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation from April 2025.
The accused has been remanded in custody until 28 November. The Afghan family are in immigration detention pending asylum interviews.
