New figures released by the Department of Justice show the Irish State spent €1.2 billion on accommodation and related supports for international-protection applicants in 2025—up 19 per cent on 2024 even though new asylum applications fell by 29 per cent. The data, provided in parliamentary replies to TDs Ken O’Flynn and John Connolly, reveal an average daily outlay of €3.29 million covering accommodation, transport, utilities and support services across 312 centres run by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
At year-end Ireland was housing 33,241 asylum seekers, including more than 9,700 children. Somalia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan remained the top countries of origin. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan defended the expenditure, noting that EU and Irish law obliges the State to provide reception conditions but acknowledged costs are “unsustainable” without faster processing. The average protection claim still takes 18 months at first instance.
In this context, VisaHQ can help organisations and individuals steer through Ireland’s shifting immigration rules. Its online platform (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) provides real-time guidance on visa categories, document checklists and processing timelines, enabling applicants to file complete, compliant applications and avoid costly delays that add pressure to the State’s accommodation system.
![Government Accommodation Bill for Asylum Seekers Jumps to €1.2 Billion Despite Fewer New Claims]()
Business groups worry mounting accommodation costs could crowd out funding for work-permit processing and integration supports that employers rely on to fill skills gaps. Industry body Ibec reiterated calls for a dedicated International Mobility Agency to streamline processing and remove pressure on IPAS facilities by accelerating labour-market access for eligible applicants.
The soaring bill will sharpen political debate as Cabinet prepares to consider the long-awaited International Protection Bill later this month. Proposed measures include strict six-month decision targets and expanded voluntary-return payments—policies designed to cut accommodation spend by shortening stays. However, refugee advocates warn that accelerated procedures could compromise fairness and increase the number of appeals, prolonging rather than reducing overall costs.
For global-mobility managers the headline is clear: Ireland remains committed to humanitarian obligations but is moving towards tighter, faster processes. Employers sponsoring talent transfers should anticipate heightened scrutiny of accommodation arrangements and may face indirect levies if costs continue to escalate.
At year-end Ireland was housing 33,241 asylum seekers, including more than 9,700 children. Somalia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan remained the top countries of origin. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan defended the expenditure, noting that EU and Irish law obliges the State to provide reception conditions but acknowledged costs are “unsustainable” without faster processing. The average protection claim still takes 18 months at first instance.
In this context, VisaHQ can help organisations and individuals steer through Ireland’s shifting immigration rules. Its online platform (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) provides real-time guidance on visa categories, document checklists and processing timelines, enabling applicants to file complete, compliant applications and avoid costly delays that add pressure to the State’s accommodation system.
Business groups worry mounting accommodation costs could crowd out funding for work-permit processing and integration supports that employers rely on to fill skills gaps. Industry body Ibec reiterated calls for a dedicated International Mobility Agency to streamline processing and remove pressure on IPAS facilities by accelerating labour-market access for eligible applicants.
The soaring bill will sharpen political debate as Cabinet prepares to consider the long-awaited International Protection Bill later this month. Proposed measures include strict six-month decision targets and expanded voluntary-return payments—policies designed to cut accommodation spend by shortening stays. However, refugee advocates warn that accelerated procedures could compromise fairness and increase the number of appeals, prolonging rather than reducing overall costs.
For global-mobility managers the headline is clear: Ireland remains committed to humanitarian obligations but is moving towards tighter, faster processes. Employers sponsoring talent transfers should anticipate heightened scrutiny of accommodation arrangements and may face indirect levies if costs continue to escalate.
