Cross-Border Policing Summit Pledges Tighter Controls on Illegal Movements Across the Common Travel Area
Government Trade Forum Convenes to Safeguard Irish Commerce and Mobility Amid Gulf Unrest
Ireland Debuts Airborne 5G Emergency Network at Mobile World Congress, Signalling Future of ‘Connected Travel’
Latest News
Stormont Motion Calls for Harmonised Admissions to Boost All-Island Student Mobility Ahead of Ireland’s 2026 EU Presidency
On 2 March, Northern Ireland Assembly members pressed for joint work with Dublin to maximise Ireland’s upcoming EU Council Presidency and to harmonise CAO/UCAS admissions. The aim: eliminate administrative barriers that hamper cross-border student mobility and, by extension, graduate recruitment for businesses operating on both sides of the border.
Ireland Raises Minimum Salary Thresholds for Employment Permits as 1 March 2026 Reform Takes Effect
Ireland has activated the first stage of its new employment-permit salary roadmap. Minimum pay for all permit categories rose on 1 March 2026, increasing labour costs for employers that hire non-EEA talent. Applications submitted but undecided after 1 March must meet the new figures. Companies should update budgets, contracts and payroll systems and plan for annual index-linked rises through 2030.
DFA Activates Consular Crisis Response for Thousands of Irish Citizens Caught in Gulf Conflict
Dublin activated a full consular crisis response on 1 March 2026 after conflict shut Gulf airports. Citizens were told to shelter in place and register online; a state-chartered flight evacuated 189 vulnerable nationals on 8 March. Employers should review traveller-tracking and crisis evacuation plans for staff stationed in the Middle East.
Ireland Carries Out Mass Deportation Charter to South Africa in Immigration Enforcement Push
A Dublin-to-Johannesburg charter on 28 February/1 March removed 63 people under deportation orders, marking Ireland’s second mass-removal flight of 2026. The Department of Justice signals tougher enforcement, urging irregular migrants to take voluntary return. Employers should tighten right-to-work compliance to avoid penalties.