A chartered Air Partner aircraft left Dublin late on 2 February carrying 52 Georgian nationals—45 adults and seven children—who were subject to final deportation orders. The flight cost the Department of Justice €187,625 and is the sixth such operation of 2026, bringing charter removals to 205 people so far this year in addition to 146 deportations on commercial services.(theliberal.ie)
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the operation underscores a renewed focus on enforcement: more than 3,870 deportation orders have been signed since January. Garda Immigration Bureau officers, medical staff, an interpreter and a human-rights observer accompanied the group. Officials argue that charter flights are more efficient and safer when removing large cohorts to the same country, but civil-society groups have criticised the expense and lack of transparency.(theliberal.ie)
![Ireland removes 52 Georgian nationals on €187k charter flight]()
Global mobility managers can mitigate these risks by partnering with a specialist. VisaHQ offers real-time tracking of Irish visa applications, expiration alerts and on-the-ground support for appeals or renewals, helping employers and travellers stay compliant even as enforcement ramps up. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/ireland/
For global mobility teams the development signals that Ireland is tightening compliance. Employees or family members who over-stay permissions or whose protection claims are refused face a higher likelihood of enforced removal. Companies should review internal processes to ensure that assignees maintain valid residence permissions and that exit planning is in place if an application fails.
The charter also reflects heightened scrutiny of Georgian nationals after a spike in unfounded protection claims in 2024. Employers sourcing talent from Georgia should anticipate longer security checks and be ready to provide robust documentation on skill shortages and genuine job offers.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the operation underscores a renewed focus on enforcement: more than 3,870 deportation orders have been signed since January. Garda Immigration Bureau officers, medical staff, an interpreter and a human-rights observer accompanied the group. Officials argue that charter flights are more efficient and safer when removing large cohorts to the same country, but civil-society groups have criticised the expense and lack of transparency.(theliberal.ie)
Global mobility managers can mitigate these risks by partnering with a specialist. VisaHQ offers real-time tracking of Irish visa applications, expiration alerts and on-the-ground support for appeals or renewals, helping employers and travellers stay compliant even as enforcement ramps up. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/ireland/
For global mobility teams the development signals that Ireland is tightening compliance. Employees or family members who over-stay permissions or whose protection claims are refused face a higher likelihood of enforced removal. Companies should review internal processes to ensure that assignees maintain valid residence permissions and that exit planning is in place if an application fails.
The charter also reflects heightened scrutiny of Georgian nationals after a spike in unfounded protection claims in 2024. Employers sourcing talent from Georgia should anticipate longer security checks and be ready to provide robust documentation on skill shortages and genuine job offers.
