Ireland Issues Visas to 14,000 Russian Citizens Since 2022 as UK Raises Security Concerns

Whitehall officials expressed fears that Ireland may be functioning as a gateway for Russian intelligence operatives seeking access to the UK. Barry Andrews, a Dublin MEP and former children's minister, revealed that UK authorities had expressed concern about the volume of visas Dublin has issued to Russian nationals.

Andrews said Ireland does not have the most sophisticated intelligence services compared to the UK.

He added that the UK is worried Ireland is a back door because people come to Ireland and Ireland does not have the surveillance capacity the UK does. Since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Irish authorities have approved approximately 14,000 visa applications from Russian citizens.

The success rate of Russian visa applications in Ireland since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine is around 90 per cent.

Andrews expressed doubts about whether adequate background checks were being conducted on Russian visa applicants. He said he is concerned about whether or not Ireland is carrying out sufficient due diligence about these applications. Andrews questioned whether the visa grants are robust and whether there is reason to be concerned about Russian nefarious activities in Ireland.

He told News Talk that Ireland should implement more rigorous screening measures including examination of applicants' social media accounts and conducting personal interviews before granting entry. Ireland assumes the EU presidency in July. Andrews warned that Ireland holding the EU presidency puts a target on your back.

He pointed to previous instances where countries holding the EU presidency experienced disruption to airports and alleged Russian targeting of critical infrastructure. Andrews said Ireland is in the crosshairs and it is the right time for a proper X-ray of granting visas to Russians and Belarusians. Unlike most EU nations, Ireland operates outside the Schengen visa zone.

In 2022, Dublin expelled four senior Russian diplomats whose conduct was deemed inconsistent with international diplomatic standards. Security sources told The Irish Times that the four expelled Russian diplomats in 2022 had been identified as likely GRU operatives using their positions as cover for intelligence gathering.

In 2023, The Sunday Times reported that an Irish parliamentarian faced criminal investigation over alleged covert contacts with Russian intelligence services during Brexit negotiations.

Cathal Berry, a former army ranger and then-member of the Irish parliament, described Ireland as a playground for Russians, citing its extensive assets and poor security culture.