Up to 42 South African nationals, including 15 children, were deported from Ireland to South Africa on a government charter flight operated under deportation o...
Up to 42 South African nationals, including 15 children, were deported from Ireland to South Africa on a government charter flight operated under deportation orders issued by the Minister for Justice.
The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) conducted the operation on Thursday. According to the Department of Justice, those removed included 18 women, nine men and 15 juveniles.
Authorities said all the children were part of family groups and none of them were deported separately from their parents or guardians.
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The charter flight departed Dublin on Thursday afternoon and arrived in Johannesburg on Friday morning carrying all individuals who were subject to deportation orders. The return flight cost €735,000 excluding VAT.
The Department of Justice said the returnees were accompanied by members of An Garda Síochána, medical personnel, an interpreter and a human rights observer throughout the journey.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said most South African nationals living in Ireland are legally resident and make positive contributions to society. However, he said Ireland’s immigration system must operate according to established rules.
“The enforcement aspects of our laws, including deportation orders, are an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure there is public confidence in the application of our legislation in this area,” O’Callaghan said.
Minister of State with responsibility for migration Colm Brophy also said Ireland welcomes migrants because they contribute to the country’s economy, communities and social life. He added that migrants are expected to use legal pathways available under Irish law.
Of the 42 people removed, the Department of Justice said two individuals had previously been convicted of offences in Ireland. Their deportation formed part of ongoing nationwide operations being conducted by gardaí.
The latest operation was the fourth deportation charter flight carried out by Ireland this year. Three previous charter flights removed a total of 130 people from the country.
Last year, six deportation charter operations resulted in the removal of 205 people. The flights form part of broader measures aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement.
According to government figures, deportation orders increased by 96 percent last year compared with 2024. A total of 4,700 deportation orders were signed in 2025.
The Minister for Justice said that 2,108 deportation orders have already been signed so far this year, reflecting the continued implementation of Ireland’s immigration policies.
