Irish Data Shows Up to 90% of Asylum Seekers Entered via Northern Ireland Land Border

Irish government data shows up to 90 percent of people seeking asylum in Ireland over the last three years entered via the land border with Northern Ireland. The figures come from Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They indicate that only about 16,600 asylum seekers arrived at official airports or ports during the period, while the large majority made first-time applications in person at the International Protection Office in Dublin.

The same data set shows the common travel area is used in both directions. Officials recorded more than 900 immigration offenders apprehended along the land border in the past year, though the department did not specify travel direction or outcomes.

Applications at official ports of entry fell to 10 percent in 2024. The proportion applying in person at the Dublin office reached 88 percent in 2025 and 90 percent so far this year.

Annual asylum applications in Ireland averaged around 5,000 before 2019. Numbers rose sharply after that point, reaching a peak of 18,500 in 2024. A post-Brexit agreement allowing returns of asylum seekers between the two jurisdictions has so far resulted in one transfer from the UK to Ireland.

Irish officials said they are now working to redesignate the UK as a safe third country to facilitate additional returns. A multi-agency effort targeting common travel area abuse has already produced 250 arrests and seized more than £435,000 since the 2024 general election.

Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the arrangement requires ongoing management because individuals will continue to attempt to exploit it. Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said questions remain about immigration policy and checks at Dublin ports.

Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, discussed cross-border cooperation with Ireland's Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan and Foreign Minister Helen McEntee earlier this week.