Ireland amends law to send asylum-seekers back to UK

Ireland is drafting legislation to return asylum-seekers to the U.K. in response to U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy

Ireland is in the process of drafting urgent legislation to enable the return of asylum-seekers to the U.K., signaling a shift in immigration policy.

In response to U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy, which includes Rwanda, Taoiseach Simon Harris has instructed Justice Minister Helen McEntee to amend existing legislation to allow for the repatriation of asylum-seekers who have entered Ireland.

Harris emphasized Ireland’s determination to maintain its own immigration arrangements and not compromise its integrity due to external factors.

However, the U.K. government stated that it will not accept migrants returning from EU member Ireland until a broader agreement is reached with the EU.

Meantime, the U.K. is committed to implementing Sunak’s controversial plan to include Rwanda and cooperating with France to prevent migrant boats from crossing the English Channel.

Calls for effective immigration system

Minister for Justice McEntee attributed the significant increase in migration to Ireland in part to Brexit and emphasized the need for an effective immigration system.

She announced plans for urgent legislation to facilitate the return of asylum-seekers to the U.K., noting in particular that more than 80% of migrants entering Ireland do so via Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.

These efforts come in response to a recent ruling by the Irish High Court, which held that the designation of the U.K. as a “safe third country” for asylum-seekers violated EU law.

Source: AA