Over 40 South African nationals deported from Ireland overnight

Ireland deports more than 40 South African nationals overnight

Mohan Sinha
21 Jun 2026, 23:16 GMT+10

A total of 42 South African citizens were deported from Ireland overnight. The group included nine men, 18 women, and 15 children, all from family units.
Earlier this year, three similar flights removed 130 people, including 67 EU citizens, due to criminal activity.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the immigration system must follow clear rules and that enforcing deportation orders is important for maintaining public trust.

DUBLIN, Ireland: A total of 42 South African citizens were deported from Ireland overnight. The group included nine men, 18 women, and 15 children, all from family units.

They left Dublin on a special flight at 3:30 pm on June 18 and arrived in Johannesburg at 4 am Irish time on June 19.

This was the fourth deportation flight this year. Two of those deported had criminal convictions in Ireland. Earlier this year, three similar flights removed 130 people, including 67 EU citizens, due to criminal activity.

The deportees were accompanied by police officers, medical staff, an interpreter, and a human rights observer.

In 2025, six charter flights deported 205 people, according to the Department of Justice. So far this year, 2,108 deportation orders have been issued. Last year, there were 4,700 orders, a 96 percent increase compared to 2024.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said most South Africans in Ireland live legally and contribute positively to society. He added that the immigration system must follow clear rules and that enforcing deportation orders is important for maintaining public trust.

The charter flight cost 735,000 euros for a return trip, excluding VAT.

Junior Minister for Migration Colm Brophy said Ireland welcomes migrants because they play an important role in society, but they must enter legally and follow the country's laws.