Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee has revealed that 80% of recent arrivals to the Republic of Ireland came from the UK across the Irish border. This surge in migration has been attributed to the UK’s Rwanda policy, which aims to deter people from crossing the English Channel by sending some asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has expressed concerns that this policy is already impacting Ireland, with many migrants fearful of being sent to Rwanda and instead crossing the border into the Republic.
In response, Minister McEntee has announced plans to introduce emergency legislation to allow the return of inadmissible international protection applicants to the UK. She will also meet with UK Home Secretary James Cleverly to discuss the issue of irregular movement within the Common Travel Area between Britain and Ireland.
Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee (Credits: Irish Independent)
The UK’s Rwanda policy has been controversial, with many criticizing it as inhumane and ineffective. Despite this, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has defended the policy, stating that it is a deterrent to illegal migration. However, critics argue that it pushes migrants to seek alternative routes, such as crossing the Irish border.
The issue of migration is complex, with many factors contributing to the surge in arrivals. Minister McEntee has acknowledged that Brexit has led to an increase in people seeking asylum in the UK, which in turn is impacting Ireland. She has also announced plans to introduce fast processing and emergency legislation to address the issue.
Helen McEntee (Credits: Irish Mirror)
The situation highlights the need for cooperation and coordination between governments to address the global issue of migration. As Prime Minister Sunak noted, many countries want to replicate third-country partnerships similar to the UK-Rwanda agreement. However, these partnerships must prioritize the safety and dignity of migrants rather than simply seeking to deter them.
