Over 60 South African nationals, together with 9 youngsters, have been deported from Ireland following an operation by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. The deportations, which occurred on Saturday, have been carried out beneath orders issued by Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan. The group eliminated comprised 28 males, 26 girls, and 9 youngsters, all a part of household items.
They left Dublin on a chartered flight on Saturday and arrived in South Africa on Sunday.
The group have been accompanied on the flight by gardai members, medical employees, an interpreter and a human rights observer.
Gardai stated 10 of the people had been convicted of offences in Ireland.
Mr O’Callaghan stated: “Charter flights are now a routine and essential part of immigration enforcement for the state.
“Without effective enforcement measures, our immigration laws would be undermined, and I want to ensure that there is public confidence in the application of our laws in this area.
“If a person does not have a legal permission to be in the state, or has been involved in criminality, they will be removed.”
Minister of State Colm Brophy stated: “I would like to acknowledge that the majority of South African nationals resident in Ireland are doing so legally, having entered the state though the various legal pathways available.
“They are welcome and contribute immensely to our economy and society.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ireland-deports-south-africans-b2929672.html