Nigerian Asylum-Seekers Face Deportation Amid UK Migrant Row, Helen McEntee Tells Cabinet

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has told a Cabinet sub-committee that Nigeria might receive a large number of deported asylum-seekers due to a growing migrant dispute with the UK.

The number of Nigerians arriving in Ireland from the UK has increased, raising concerns about their status and potential repatriation.

The fate of Nigerian international protection applicants is uncertain due to a recent High Court case that questioned the return of asylum seekers to the UK.

As tensions persist between Ireland and the UK over migrant returns, McEntee emphasised the potential implications for asylum seekers caught in the crossfire.

The diplomatic row erupted after McEntee’s comments regarding asylum-seekers crossing the border from the UK, prompting UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to assert that his government would not accept migrants returned from Ireland without reciprocal arrangements from other EU countries.

McEntee underscored the success of fast-track processing for applicants from safe countries, resulting in a 50% reduction in arrivals. Notably, Georgia, previously a top applicant source, has dropped from the top ten list of source countries, reflecting the efficacy of processing measures.

Legislation to address legal loopholes identified in the High Court ruling is expected to be enacted by June, with McEntee collaborating with Attorney General Rossa Fanning to ensure compliance with post-Brexit agreements. However, Sunak’s assertion that the UK is not obligated to accept migrants from Ireland complicates matters.

The Minister reiterated that asylum seekers processed through the fast-track system, including Nigerians, could face deportation if their applications are rejected.

Nigeria currently ranks among the highest-volume source countries for asylum seekers, warranting scrutiny of their cases.

The government’s response includes plans to allocate additional resources to communities hosting asylum-seekers and appoint a senior official to coordinate integration efforts.

A campaign to combat disinformation surrounding migration is underway to address public concerns.

These discussions coincide with efforts to clear a migrant encampment outside the International Protection Office in Dublin, underscoring the urgency of addressing the immigration crisis.

Fianna Fáil’s parliamentary party has called for McEntee to clarify her strategy for resolving the situation amidst escalating tensions.

The looming threat of deportation for Nigerian asylum-seekers underscores the complexities of migration policy amid diplomatic disputes with the UK. McEntee’s efforts to navigate legal challenges and ensure compliance with international agreements are crucial in addressing the crisis and upholding Ireland’s obligations to asylum seekers.