Asylum Applications in Ireland Decline for First Time in a Decade

The number of people seeking asylum in Ireland has fallen for the first time in a decade. According to Jim O’Callaghan, the Minister for Justice, applications for political asylum decreased by 43 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Despite this decline, there are still 33,822 asylum seekers awaiting decisions on their applications from the International Protection Office.

Of the pending cases, 14,161 have been refused and are now undergoing the appeal process. Those who are appealing their cases are permitted to remain in Ireland while their applications are reviewed by the International Protection Appeals Tribunal. Last year, the International Protection Office made 14,000 first decisions, a significant increase from 8,500 in 2023.

O’Callaghan noted that there will be further enhancements in the refugee decision-making process throughout 2025. He stated, “Accelerated processing was introduced in November 2022 and now applies to those from designated safe countries of origin, applicants who have received protection elsewhere in Europe, and those from countries with particularly high numbers of applications.” This initiative appears to have led to a significant drop in applicants from countries such as Georgia, Albania, and South Africa.

The Minister highlighted that the number of International Protection applications had been increasing in recent years, peaking at 18,500 in 2024. He reiterated, “There have been 43 percent fewer applications in the first six months of 2025 compared to the first six months of 2024.” Currently, the processing of applications is ongoing for 33,822 individuals at various stages of the International Protection process.

In addition to the drop in applications, O’Callaghan disclosed the financial implications of housing asylum seekers. The cost of accommodating an asylum seeker at international protection accommodation centres has risen to €84 per night, an increase of €16 from the previous year, when it was €68 per night. This increase reflects the growing expenses associated with providing support and accommodation for asylum seekers.

These developments follow a series of parliamentary inquiries by Matt Carty, a Sinn Féin TD representing the Monaghan/Cavan constituency. The reduction in asylum applications, alongside the ongoing support for those in the appeals process, marks a significant shift in Ireland’s asylum landscape. As the government continues to address these challenges, it remains focused on ensuring that the processing of applications is efficient and fair.