Starting from today, airlines and ferry companies carrying passengers without proper travel documents will be subjected to increased fines by the government as they look to strengthen border protection regulations. The 2003 Immigration Act dictates that travel carriers must make sure passengers possess the necessary documents for travel, that can verify their nationality and identity, and a visa if needed.
Previously, the maximum fine was €3,000, but under the new amendments, this will be raised to €5,000, an increase of 66 percent, according to the Justice Minister Helen McEntee. Her objective is to bring Ireland inline with their European Union counterparts. Ms. McEntee also outlined additional measures being adopted for a firm yet fair immigration system. These include strategies to handle individuals who tamper with documents during flight as they claim asylum.
Airlines and ferry companies are essential for maintaining the safety and integrity of our borders. They must fulfil their responsibilities to ensure passengers have valid passports, ID cards and visas for travelling to Ireland. Her department will assist them in meeting these requirements, including providing necessary training. However, higher fines will be imposed for noncompliance.
She mentioned that their efforts to reduce the number of individuals arriving with improper documents have showed results, with the training programme for airline staff, operations at Dublin airport, and deployment of police officers at key European transport hubs.
She also noted that the fines are not the only changes, as she will offer additional assistance to carriers in ensuring they meet their obligations. This ongoing collaboration is crucial in maintaining a robust immigration system, offering protection to those in need and swiftly repatriating those who do not meet the criteria to stay.
Ms. McEntee highlighted that last year due to the Garda Airport Liaison Officer programme’s funding and increased resources for the BMU and the International Protection Office, arrivals at Dublin airport without proper documents reduced by a third.