Ireland has deported 42 South African nationals found to be residing in the country illegally. The group was flown back to Johannesburg on Friday aboard a chartered flight.
The deportees comprised nine men, 18 women, and 15 children, with the minors traveling alongside their families. The flight departed Dublin Airport on Thursday afternoon and arrived in South Africa the following morning.
According to The Irish Times (June 19, 2026), two of the individuals deported had prior criminal convictions in Ireland.
Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, addressed the situation, noting that the vast majority of South Africans residing in the country do so legally.
He emphasised that the Irish immigration system must remain “rules-based and robust”.
He further explained that enforcement actions, including deportations, are deemed essential by the government to ensure the system functions effectively and to maintain public confidence in existing immigration laws.
New visa requirements
Earlier, the Government of Ireland announced new visa requirements.
The updated rules mandate that citizens from specific global regions must secure entry documents before arrival.
Under the new directive, nationals of Saint Lucia, Nicaragua, and Saint Kitts and Nevis will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. This major immigration adjustment took effect on June 15, 2026.
