Operation Fern and Increased Deportations

Under Operation Fern, a total of 132 individuals illegally residing in Ireland were deported this year. The Gardaí, Ireland’s national police service, will now use chartered flights to increase the number of deportations. This method is expected to be more efficient, particularly for deporting groups of people to the same destination. The use of charter flights is seen as a practical solution to manage the logistics of deporting larger groups, which can be challenging with commercial flights.

Government’s Plan and Support

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has confirmed that the government has put out a tender to assess the market’s capacity for chartered flights. The aim is to have an arrangement in place to run these flights later in the year. Smaller planes may also be used for individuals deemed dangerous and requiring Garda accompaniment. The government has not disclosed the cost of these flights, citing commercial sensitivity. The number of people deported via charter flights will depend on operational necessities, safety factors, cost-benefit analyses, destination, and aircraft type.

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on justice, Jim O’Callaghan, supports this plan, emphasising that the international protection system must have practical consequences for those who fail their applications. He argues that it is unfair to allow individuals who have failed the legal process to remain in the country, undermining the system’s integrity. O’Callaghan believes that enforcing deportation orders is essential to maintaining public confidence in the immigration system.

No Such Thing as ‘Unvetted Migrant’

In response to concerns about the vetting of migrants, Detective Chief Superintendent Aidan Minnock of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) has stated that there is no such thing as an “unvetted migrant” in Ireland. Every individual seeking international protection is fingerprinted and identified. Claims that asylum seekers are criminals posing a threat to public safety have been rejected, with the majority being economic migrants seeking better opportunities. Minnock emphasised that the GNIB conducts thorough checks on all individuals entering the country, ensuring that those with criminal records are detained and monitored before deportation.

Organised Crime and Migrant Exploitation

However, Minnock acknowledged the presence of organised crime groups from Albania, Romania, and China involved in drug dealing, car theft, exploitation, and people smuggling in Ireland. These groups exploit legitimate businesses and vulnerable individuals, imposing significant debts on migrants and forcing them into criminal activities. The GNIB has identified networks of smaller groups specialising in different areas of criminal enterprise, such as advertising, cybercrime, finances, and the production of forged documents. Legitimate businesses, including haulage companies and airline staff, are also being exploited to facilitate these criminal activities.

Significant Increase in Asylum Seekers

Ireland has seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking international protection, rising from 13,000 in 2023 to over 21,000 in the past year. The GNIB has emphasised that any person identified as a threat to the state is detained and monitored before deportation. The increase in asylum seekers has put additional pressure on the immigration system, prompting the government to explore more efficient methods of managing deportations.

Details of the Charter Flights

The charter flights will begin later this year, with each flight carrying between 20 and 30 people. The government has not disclosed the cost of these flights, citing commercial sensitivity. The number of people deported via charter flights will depend on operational necessities, safety factors, cost-benefit analyses, destination, and aircraft type. The Department of Justice has stated that this method of deportation has been used in the past and is also employed by other EU member states. In addition to charter flights, commercial flights will continue to be used for deportations.

The Department of Justice has also added two extra countries, Botswana and Algeria, to the “safe” list, bringing the total to ten countries. This list includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, and South Africa. The inclusion of these countries on the safe list means that individuals from these nations are less likely to be granted asylum, as they are considered to be generally safe.

Key Changes and Benefits

The primary objective of this transition is to allow Gardaí to focus on more operational and enforcement aspects of their work, such as investigations and deportations. Minister McEntee highlighted that this shift is part of a broader strategy to modernise and improve the efficiency of Ireland’s immigration system.

Applicants whose visas are due to expire from 4 November onwards will no longer need to visit a Garda station for renewals. Instead, they can complete the process online via the ISD web portal. This online service, previously available only to residents of Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Limerick, Meath, and Wicklow, is now accessible nationwide.

Investment in Digital Systems

As part of Budget 2025, an additional €25 million has been allocated to the immigration system, with €5 million specifically earmarked for investment in digital systems. This funding aims to modernise the current systems and ensure a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for applicants. The new centralised system will allow applicants to view all their engagements with immigration services on a single platform, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

Background and Implementation

The move towards civilianisation was recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. This recommendation is part of a broader effort to optimise the use of Garda resources and improve the overall efficiency of immigration services. The transition is expected to free up Gardaí to focus on critical tasks that require their expertise and training.

Minister McEntee expressed confidence that this change would significantly benefit both the applicants and the Gardaí. “This transfer of responsibility allows Gardaí to dedicate their time to more pressing operational duties, while applicants can enjoy a more streamlined and efficient renewal process,” she said.

How to Renew Your Visa

For those looking to renew their visas, the process is now more straightforward. Applicants can visit the ISD web portal to complete their renewals online. This change eliminates the need for in-person visits to Garda stations, making the process more convenient and accessible for everyone.

The Department of Justice has also implemented a centralised system to handle all immigration services. This system will provide a comprehensive view of all interactions with immigration services, ensuring that applicants have access to all necessary information in one place.

Additional Details

The civilianisation of immigration permission renewals is part of a broader effort to modernise Ireland’s immigration system. The Department of Justice has established a modernisation programme aimed at transforming its immigration services to make them faster, easier to access, and more efficient for all users. This programme includes replacing legacy immigration management systems with a new platform that offers a single view of an individual’s engagement with all aspects of immigration services.

The new platform is expected to significantly improve customer service capacity, offering comprehensive self-service functionality and enhanced border security capabilities. This modernisation effort is designed to provide a more customer-focused and efficient service, ensuring that applicants have a seamless experience when renewing their immigration permissions.

Minister McEntee emphasised the importance of this transition in the context of broader public service reforms. By civilianising administrative functions, the government aims to optimise the use of Garda resources, allowing them to focus on critical operational duties. This change is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of the immigration system, benefiting both the applicants and the Gardaí.

The Department of Justice has also introduced measures to ensure that the transition to the new system is smooth and efficient. Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the online renewal process and utilise the resources available on the ISD web portal. The Department is committed to providing ongoing support and assistance to ensure that all applicants can navigate the new system with ease.

How It Works?

The FTI-TTP leverages advanced biometric technology to simplify and speed up the immigration process. Registered passengers can use automated gates (e-gates) to bypass regular immigration queues. Upon reaching the e-gates, travellers scan their boarding passes and passports, and their biometrics are authenticated. Once verified, the e-gate opens automatically, granting immigration clearance.

Eligible individuals can apply for the programme online through the official FTI-TTP portal. After submitting the required details and undergoing verification by the Bureau of Immigration, applicants receive a notification to schedule an appointment for biometric enrolment at either international airports or the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The registration is valid for five years or until the passport’s validity expires, whichever comes first.

Expansion Plans

Following its successful implementation at Delhi Airport, the FTI-TTP is set to expand to 20 other cities, including major airports in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad. This expansion aims to make international travel more seamless and efficient across India.

Benefits and Impact

The FTI-TTP offers numerous benefits, including faster immigration processing, reduced congestion at airports, and a more secure travel experience. By automating the immigration process, the programme not only saves time for travellers but also addresses staffing issues at immigration counters. As of now, 18,400 individuals have registered for the programme, highlighting its growing popularity and effectiveness.

The programme’s implementation is particularly timely, given the increasing volume of international travellers. The traditional immigration process often involves long queues and significant waiting times, which can be stressful for passengers. The FTI-TTP aims to alleviate these issues by providing a more efficient and user-friendly alternative. The use of biometric technology ensures that the process is both secure and swift, reducing the risk of human error and enhancing overall security.

Moreover, the programme is designed to be inclusive and accessible. It is available free of cost to all eligible travellers, making it an attractive option for frequent flyers and occasional travellers alike. The online application process is straightforward, and the requirement for biometric enrolment ensures that only verified individuals can benefit from the expedited service.

In addition to its immediate benefits, the FTI-TTP is expected to have a long-term positive impact on India’s aviation sector. By improving the efficiency of immigration processes, the programme can enhance the overall passenger experience, potentially attracting more international travellers to Indian airports. This, in turn, could boost the country’s tourism industry and contribute to economic growth.

The Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme is a ground-breaking initiative that promises to transform the travel experience for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders. With its expansion to more cities, the programme is set to enhance the efficiency and security of international travel across India. The FTI-TTP represents a significant step forward in modernizing India’s immigration processes and ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable journey for all travellers.

The arrests occurred earlier this week, marking a significant step in the ongoing operations conducted by GNIB to address issues related to illegal residency. According to Detective Chief Superintendent Aidan Minnock, this recent operation is a continuation of efforts to ensure that individuals who are in the country without legal grounds are offered an opportunity to return voluntarily to their home countries. “These individuals had the option to voluntarily return but chose to stay. Consequently, the law has had to step in, leading to their pending deportation,” stated Minnock.

This enforcement comes in the wake of another similar case in July, when an individual was arrested in County Wexford and subsequently deported in August under the same operation. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to streamline and strengthen the integrity of Ireland’s immigration system.

Further changes to the system were outlined in July 2024, when the Minister for Justice announced a shift in the administrative responsibility for immigration registration from the Garda to the Department of Justice itself. This move is expected to enhance the efficiency of the registration process and allow the GNIB to focus more directly on enforcement and compliance operations.

The influx of immigrants has contributed to a notable increase in Ireland’s population, which now stands at approximately 5.38 million, the highest since 2008. This growth is largely driven by immigration from outside the European Union, particularly from Ukraine. The CSO reports that 86,800 of the new immigrants were from non-EU countries, with a significant portion being Ukrainian refugees.

Among the immigrants, 30,000 were returning Irish citizens, 27,000 were other EU citizens, and 5,400 were UK citizens. The remaining 86,800 were from other countries, including a significant number from Ukraine, reflecting the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis there.

In addition to the high levels of immigration, Ireland has also seen a rise in emigration. Over the same period, 69,900 people left the country, the highest emigration figure since 2015. This includes a substantial number of Irish citizens moving to Australia and the UK. Specifically, 10,600 people emigrated to Australia, up from 4,700 the previous year, and 15,200 moved to the UK, up from 14,600 in 2023.

Despite the increase in emigration, the net migration figure remains positive, with 79,300 more people arriving than leaving. This positive net migration, combined with a natural increase of 19,400 people (resulting from 54,200 births and 34,800 deaths), has led to the overall population growth.

The demographic changes have also highlighted shifts in the age structure of the population. The number of people aged 65 and over has increased, now representing 15.5% of the total population, up from 13.8% in 2018. This aging population presents both challenges and opportunities for Ireland’s social and economic systems.

The Irish government has acknowledged the challenges and opportunities presented by these demographic shifts. Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar previously emphasized the need to manage the flow of Ukrainian refugees into the country, and recent policy changes have included reductions in social welfare payments for Ukrainian refugees living in state-provided accommodation.

Operation Fern Targets Illegal Residents

Operation Fern is an initiative targeting individuals who have defied Deportation Orders issued by the Minister for Justice. Detective Chief Superintendent Aidan Minnock clarified that these orders result from extensive engagement with the Department of Justice, offering voluntary return packages to the individuals’ home countries. However, those arrested had declined these offers and continued to reside illegally in the state.

Rise in Deportation Orders

This operation follows recent criticism regarding the low number of deportations in Ireland. The Department of Justice reported that 68 individuals have been deported this year, with an additional 227 choosing voluntary departure. The total number of Deportation Orders issued so far stands at 860.

Operation Fern is a significant step in ensuring compliance with immigration laws and maintaining the integrity of Ireland’s immigration system. The five detainees are currently held in custody, pending their deportation.

The designation of a country as “safe” implies that it is generally free from systematic persecution, torture, or inhuman treatment. While individuals from these countries can still apply for international protection in Ireland, they will need to provide compelling evidence to support their claims. Officials stress that the designation of a state as a safe country of origin does not mean that a claim for asylum is inadmissible for anyone coming from that country, or that a person cannot make an application. Instead, it places the onus on the applicant to demonstrate why their case is exceptional and why they are in need of protection.

Currently, Ireland’s safe countries list includes ten other nations: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and South Africa. The introduction of accelerated processing has significantly reduced the number of applications from these countries, with a reported drop of over 50% since the procedures were introduced in November 2022.

Minister McEntee also highlighted an increase in prosecutions and imprisonments of asylum seekers arriving without proper documentation. This move aims to ensure that those in genuine need of protection receive timely assistance while maintaining the integrity of the asylum process. Over 100 people have been prosecuted this year for arriving without appropriate documentation, with more than 80 cases resulting in imprisonment.

The updated list of safe countries is part of Ireland’s broader efforts to manage immigration effectively and provide protection to those who genuinely need it.

Simon Harris addressed the country’s newest citizens, stating that there is “no greater privilege to honor each and every one of you” at the Irish citizenship ceremony.

The Taoiseach noted the pride and joy in the room, adding, “I sincerely congratulate each and every one of you for choosing to become Irish.”

He highlighted that one fifth of the population were now born outside the island of Ireland.

“Migration is ingrained in the collective consciousness of Irish people,” he added.

The Taoiseach acknowledged that some of those attending the Irish citizenship ceremony have “come for safe haven and I’m proud our country has provided this to you.”

Mr. Harris also thanked the new citizens for their contribution to Ireland’s economy and society.

The Taoiseach said those gathered at the Convention Centre in Dublin will make Ireland a thriving and vibrant place to live.

Those taking part in the Irish citizenship ceremony made a declaration of fidelity and commitment to the State.