A significant immigration enforcement operation saw 24 adult males deported from Dublin Airport to Pakistan on a chartered flight Tuesday evening. The individuals, all Pakistani nationals, were removed from Ireland by officers from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), departing Dublin at 7 pm and arriving in Islamabad the following morning.
Increased Enforcement Efforts
This marks the fourth chartered deportation flight since the practice resumed in February 2025. This latest operation brings the total number of people removed via charter flights this year to 130. Additionally, 132 deportation orders have been enforced on commercial flights, and 40 people have left the country unescorted.
The Justice Minister, Jim O’Callaghan, emphasized the government’s focus on strengthening immigration enforcement, noting that enforced deportations have doubled compared to the previous year.
“This year, sustained and significant work has been undertaken to strengthen immigration enforcement and increase the removal of people who have no legal right to be in Ireland,” Minister O’Callaghan stated.
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“Clear Message” on Compliance
A staggering 3,029 deportation orders have been issued so far in 2025, and 1,501 individuals have left the State through various means, including enforced deportation and voluntary return.
Minister O’Callaghan asserted that the increased enforcement sends a “clear message”: if an application for international protection is refused and a person is ordered to leave, they must do so. Those who do not leave voluntarily will be “forced to leave.” He stressed that firm deportation measures are an “essential part of any immigration system” to protect the integrity of the legal pathways.
The Minister did take care to acknowledge that the vast majority of the Pakistani community are in Ireland legally and are “welcome,” with their contribution to the economy and society being valued.
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The Role of Charter Flights and Voluntary Returns
Charter flights are utilized to increase the capacity of the Gardaí to enforce a larger number of deportation orders, particularly when a group of people is being returned to the same destination. These flights are run under a State contract and are carefully monitored, with returnees accompanied by Garda personnel, medical staff, an interpreter, and a human rights observer.
The government also continues to prioritize voluntary returns, which Minister O’Callaghan described as the “best outcome.” He has increased resources for the Department’s Voluntary Return Programme, which has seen almost 1,200 people leave voluntarily so far in 2025. He noted that individuals are offered assistance to return home voluntarily before a deportation order is made, unless they are involved in criminality.
Migration Minister, Colm Brophy, welcomed the operation, reiterating that having “effective and firm” immigration laws is a “key priority” for the Government.
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