Asylum seekers in the UK are increasingly fleeing to Ireland, seeking refuge from the British government’s controversial Rwanda deportation scheme. This policy involves detaining and potentially deporting individuals to Rwanda, leading many to hide or escape, with reports of hunger strikes and threats of suicide among those detained. This has resulted in a noticeable drop in attendance at asylum reporting sessions, signalling growing fear and uncertainty within these communities.

The increase in asylum seekers moving to Ireland has exacerbated the housing crisis there, contributing to the reemergence of tent cities in Dublin. Many refugees, confused and distressed about the UK’s deportation decisions, have fled across the border from Northern Ireland, seeking safer conditions.

This situation has sparked significant debate in Ireland. James O’Connor, a politician from the Fianna Fail party, has called for tougher migration measures and criticised the government for being too lenient. He proposed deploying Irish police at the border with Northern Ireland, although this suggestion has met with resistance, including from Justice Minister Helen McEntee and former Taoiseach Simon Harris, highlighting the complexity of effectively managing migration while addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

Overall, the rise in asylum seekers in Ireland from the UK has increased tension and prompted a call for more robust and sustainable accommodation solutions amid ongoing political debates about how best to handle migration and border security issues.