$853,000 to repatriate 42 citizens: Mass deportation from Ireland highlights South Africa's migration crisis

Amnia Hassan

The issue of illegal immigration has complex dimensions between the countries that send and receive immigrants, which recently became apparent after Ireland carried out a mass deportation operation that included 42 citizens from South Africa who were residing illegally on its territory, in a move that attracted widespread attention given its high cost and sensitive timing.

A costly deportation process

Irish authorities carried out the deportation via a chartered flight from Dublin to South Africa, at an initial cost of €735,000, equivalent to approximately $853,000. According to official data, the average cost of deporting one person exceeded €17,000.

The flight carried 27 adults, including 9 men and 18 women, as well as 15 children traveling in family groups. Authorities also confirmed that two of those deported had criminal records in Ireland.

Refusal of voluntary return

The deportation orders came after authorities concluded that the individuals in question were residing illegally in the country and had not responded to previously offered voluntary return options. The Irish National Immigration Service, in coordination with the Department of Justice and the Correctional Service, carried out the operation.

Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan affirmed that his country operates a “law-based” immigration system, stressing that the enforcement of deportation orders is a key part of maintaining public confidence in the immigration system.

Ireland continues to tighten immigration policies

This is the fourth such operation carried out by Ireland in 2026, following three previous operations that resulted in the deportation of 130 people. The country also conducted six similar operations in 2025, leading to the removal of 205 people.

Although Ireland considers South Africa a safe country, the authorities still allow its citizens to apply for asylum if they can provide documented evidence that they are in real danger.

Growing pressure within South Africa

These developments come at a time when South Africa is facing a growing debate over immigration, with increasing calls for stricter measures against irregular migrants.

The country is a major destination for migrants from several African countries, but the rise in the unemployment rate to 32.7% during the first quarter of 2026 has exacerbated social tensions.

With the return of deportees from Ireland, the Pretoria government finds itself facing a double challenge: managing the issue of citizens returning from abroad, while simultaneously containing the growing controversy surrounding illegal immigration within the largest economy on the African continent.