Prime Minister Simon Harris has proposed legislation to curb refugee arrivals via Northern Ireland, citing concerns over the recent surge in numbers. With 80% of arrivals entering Ireland through this route, the government aims to stem the flow, which it estimates at less than 2,000 individuals.
This move comes in response to Britain’s plan to repatriate illegal immigrants to Rwanda, potentially diverting some to Ireland. In response, Harris suggests amending Ireland’s Safe Third Countries Act to allow for the return of asylum seekers to the UK.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee is set to discuss these plans with the British Home Secretary, emphasizing the need to safeguard Ireland’s migration system.
While Downing Street denies a link between the Rwandan policy and the influx, Irish Deputy Prime Minister Meehol Martin disagrees, suggesting a correlation.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defends the Rwandan initiative, asserting its effectiveness in border protection. However, he assures efforts to address Ireland’s concerns.
The proposed measures underscore Ireland’s commitment to managing refugee flows and ensuring the integrity of its immigration system amidst broader global challenges.