DUBLIN, Ireland: The Department of Justice is on track to issue a record number of deportation orders in 2025, with over 700 orders already signed this year, according to new figures from Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan.

If the current rate continues, the total number of deportation orders could exceed 4,200 by year-end—far surpassing the 2,403 issued in 2024 and nearly five times the 857 recorded in 2023.

In a written Dail response to Deputy Alan Kelly TD, O'Callaghan confirmed that 1,116 individuals left Ireland through various means, including enforced deportations and voluntary returns, in 2024—an increase of 252 percent from the 317 departures recorded in 2023. So far, in 2025, 311 individuals have confirmed departures.

Georgian nationals were the most frequently deported last year, with 66 removals, followed by South Africa (19), Albania (15), Brazil (14), Algeria (7), and Nigeria (7).

"In addition to the enforced deportations and those that are otherwise confirmed to have left, a much larger number of people will have left the State without informing the authorities. However, as there are no routine exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to accurately quantify this number," O'Callaghan said.

The Department has strengthened immigration enforcement measures, including chartered deportation flights. "Last week, a chartered flight to Georgia removed 32 persons who were subject to deportation orders from the State. This is the first operation conducted under the contract my Department put in place for this purpose last November. Further operations will be conducted as the year progresses," he said.

O'Callaghan acknowledged the complexity and cost of enforced deportations, which involve legal challenges, custody, flight costs, and coordination with destination countries. "It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily, and my Department has a voluntary return program to assist people in returning prior to the issuance of a deportation order," he noted.

The number of voluntary returns rose significantly in 2024, reaching 934 compared to 213 in 2023.

"The removal of persons who have been refused permission to remain in the State is an essential requirement for the immigration system to work effectively and to ensure that our people have confidence in the application of our laws in this area," O'Callaghan stated.