"The tough new measures come amid record numbers of asylum claims and growing tensions over immigration. Ireland has unveiled new measures to tighten its immigration and asylum rules, as ministers say rapid population growth and rising numbers of asylum seekers are placing heavy pressure on housing and public services. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan announced the reforms on Wednesday, saying the government needed a response to what he called a worryingly high rate of population increase and a surge in asylum applications."
"Our population last year increased by 1.6 percent, seven times the EU average, O'Callaghan said. It is positive that it's increasing, but the rate is a worry. Ireland's population reached an estimated 5.46 million in April 2025. Net migration has nearly doubled since 2022, averaging about 72,000 a year, fuelled partly by work-permit applications, family reunifications and the arrival of Ukrainian refugees, according to the Ministry of Finance."
"Asylum claims have also jumped dramatically. Some 18,651 people sought protection in 2024 the highest on record up from 13,276 the previous year. Tensions over the rising numbers of asylum seekers have fuelled protests and riots in recent years. Last month, at least 1,000 anti-immigration protesters clashed with police in southwest Dublin following reports that a child had been sexually assaulted on the grounds of a hotel that houses asylum applicants."
The cabinet approved measures to tighten immigration and asylum rules in response to rapid population growth and a surge in asylum applications. Ireland's population reached an estimated 5.46 million in April 2025, a 1.6 percent increase—seven times the EU average. Net migration has nearly doubled since 2022 to about 72,000 a year, driven by work permits, family reunifications and arrivals from Ukraine. Asylum claims rose to 18,651 in 2024, the highest on record. New rules require employed asylum seekers to contribute 10–40 percent of weekly income toward accommodation (about 7,500 people affected), raise income thresholds for family reunification, and tighten refugee citizenship criteria.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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