As part of Operation Fern, a new plan geared towards those unlawfully residing in the country, the Gardaí have held five individuals. This scheme, initiated in reaction to the anticipated surge in deportation orders for asylum seekers who applications have been unsuccessful, came from Justice Minister Helen McEntee. The government is now implementing more swift and frequent deportations as one of many strategies to cope with the unprecedented influx of asylum seekers in Ireland, overstretching our residential services for international protection.
Now, Operation Fern aims to offer a unified, national approach to those subject to deportation who are unlawfully residing in the country. Thursday morning saw the arrest of five individuals, currently listed for deportation, in Dublin by Gardaí from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and local units in the Dublin Metropolitan Region West. All five are being held in Garda custody, awaiting deportation.
Detective Chief Superintendent Aidan Minnock states the operation forms part of GNIB’s endeavour to detain those ordered for deportation and found to be residing illegally in the country. He also noted significant conversation with each detained individual, that included the opportunity for an assisted voluntary return to their home countries, prior to Garda intervention. However, these individuals refused the voluntary return, thus making their status in the country illegal.
Recent criticism has been directed at Justice Minister McEntee and her department by Opposition members for not proactively deporting failed asylum seekers. Conversely, the government stated that a significant number of those seeking asylum leave the country without notifying the appropriate authorities. Preparations have also begun to organise chartered flights specifically for deporting those living unlawfully in the country.
Moreover, Minister McEntee has updated the list of “safe countries.” Citizens of these nations will be subjected to a expedited asylum process. Last week, Ireland was confirmed as a member of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact by the Dáil. This means that a uniform immigration control system will be applied across the 27 EU member countries. This accord will result in an amped-up border security checks, new lodgings, and an expanded staff to process applications. While some individuals seeking asylum will be temporarily housed at holding facilities near seaports and airports, it has been confirmed by the government that these will not serve as detention centres.