Dublin is currently grappling with a humanitarian crisis where approximately 1,700 homeless asylum seekers have set up a “tent city” owing to an ongoing political dispute between the UK and Irish governments. Located near the International Protection Office in Dublin, these makeshift settlements lack basic sanitation facilities, compelling some residents to resort to open toilets. The increased presence of asylum seekers in Ireland has been attributed to UK’s controversial Rwanda deportation policy, which is a deterrent against illegal migration. This has triggered appeals from Ireland for the UK to accept back asylum seekers who cross into Ireland from Northern Ireland.

Amidst these tensions, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reiterated his stance against accepting any new Irish laws that would mandate the UK to take back these asylum seekers, emphasizing the UK’s autonomy in its immigration decisions. This statement came following the implementation of emergency legislation in Ireland aimed at managing the inflow of asylum seekers via Northern Ireland. Former UK Cabinet Minister David Jones highlighted potential challenges in returning migrants to Belfast, as it could lead them to re-enter Ireland. Additionally, the Home Office has reported an unprecedented number of over 7,000 migrant arrivals in the UK this year alone, underscoring the escalating migration crisis.

The UK’s refusal to negotiate with Ireland on this issue has been echoed in recent statements by Sunak, dismissing the possibility of such a deal unless the EU revises its asylum policies. The dialogue between the two nations continues, with Irish officials pushing back against the notion of Ireland being a transit point for migrants due to the UK’s policies.