Since 2019, over 14,000 travellers have been caught entering the State without legitimate travel papers, resulting in airlines and ferry firms paying fines totalling over €5.3 million, recent data reveals. Carrier fines issued from 2019 to April this year amount to €5,377,470, according to data from the Department of Justice. In 2023 alone, €1,476,000 in fines were levied against carriers for not verifying that their passengers carried the necessary travel papers before boarding planes or ships.
The department has not disclosed a detailed breakdown of the fines per carrier, citing sensitivity in terms of operations, and the latest data available runs up to Q1 of 2024. Between 2019 and August 31st of this year, as per department data, 14,218 individuals were caught entering the State without any documentation. Of these incidents, 3,287 occurred in 2023, while 1,590 were recorded in the initial eight months of this year.
According to the department, there was a reduction by a third in the number of individuals arriving unauthorised at Dublin Airport last year. In the first half of 2024, the figure was about half that of the corresponding period in 2022. A representative from the Department of Justice emphasised the vital role that airlines and ferry firms play in maintaining our borders. They are obliged to ensure that all passengers show the necessary valid travel documents, including passports, ID cards and visas, for travel to Ireland. The department and the Garda National Immigration Bureau provide support and training to airlines to help them fulfil these obligations.
Two Chinese nationals were discovered in Shannon Airport restrooms this Tuesday, having arrived from Spain on a Ryanair flight without passports. They admitted to entering the UK unlawfully, lacking the necessary documentation, and were given suspended sentences for two months. Regarding the situation, Ryanair underscored its commitment to ensuring passengers meet the proper entry requirements for their destination, even though it decided not to directly comment on the case. Equally, an Aer Lingus representative stressed that the airline adopts a serious approach to ensuring customers have the required travel documents and works diligently with relevant authorities for adherence to travel documentation regulations.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee earlier started a review of Ireland’s carrier liability standards, noting an unchanged penalty structure since the law was introduced in 2003. The review resulted in a penalty increase from €3,000 to €5,000 for carriers who neglect to confirm that passengers possess the correct travel documents before they board. This increase was implemented last month.