Deputy PM Claims Increase in Asylum Seekers to Ireland Due to ‘Rwanda Effect’

Micheal Martin expressed that the UK’s Rwanda plan has impacted Ireland, with 80 percent of recent asylum seekers now coming from Northern Ireland.

The “Rwanda effect” is leading asylum seekers to cross the UK border into the Republic of Ireland, as stated by the Irish deputy prime minister. During a trip to Jordan, Micheal Martin mentioned that despite no one being sent to Rwanda yet, the measures taken had prompted asylum seekers to leave the UK and opt to come to Ireland instead.

Mr. Martin, also serving as the foreign minister, shared these insights after the Irish government observed that 80 percent of recent asylum applicants had entered through the land border with Northern Ireland.

He noted, “I believe the Rwanda effect is impacting on Ireland. And I think that didn’t happen overnight. It has been growing since the initial strategy related to Rwanda was published.”

“I don’t believe anyone has been sent to Rwanda yet, but to me, it reflects a policy. It’s more about rhetoric and politics rather than actual impact,” he added.

Regarding the increasing number of asylum seekers crossing the border, Minister Martin suggested that the fear of being sent to Rwanda was driving individuals to seek asylum in Ireland, stating, “So, they’re leaving the UK and choosing to come to Ireland, crossing the border to find sanctuary here within the European Union, instead of facing potential deportation to Rwanda.”

On Tuesday, Ireland’s Justice Minister Helen McEntee revealed that 80 percent of recent asylum seekers had crossed the border from Northern Ireland, the only land border between the UK and the EU.

Minister McEntee highlighted that the proportion of individuals seeking asylum through the Northern Ireland border was higher than 80% in recent months. She mentioned that Irish and Northern Irish authorities collaborate closely to identify entry points and asylum seekers’ applications.

She added, “The challenge we face is advocating for a borderless island. Although maintaining this situation is crucial, it poses a significant challenge.”

Explaining the diverse statuses of those arriving from the UK, Ms. McEntee stated, “Some arrived legally in the UK, sought asylum there, and are now applying for asylum here.”

Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized that the government would continue with flights until the illegal boat crossings cease, with a focus on disrupting the people smugglers’ business model.

Mr. Cleverly urged developed nations to help prevent the global migration crisis by supporting individuals to “stay and thrive at home.”

PA Media contributed to this report.