Ireland has deported 42 South African nationals who were living illegally in the country, at an initial cost of €735,000 ($853,000), as South Africa faces renewed debate over migration, xenophobia and the presence of undocumented foreign nationals.
According to the Irish Times, the Garda National Immigration Bureau carried out a deportation operation on Thursday, removing 42 South African nationals from Ireland on foot of deportation orders.
Orders were issued after the individuals were deemed to be living illegally in the State and failed to take up the option of voluntary return to South Africa, with the group comprising 27 adults, including nine men and 18 women, and 15 children travelling as part of family groups.
Irish authorities said two of those deported had criminal convictions in Ireland, while the deportes left Dublin on a chartered flight on Thursday afternoon and arrived in South Africa on Friday morning.
“Gardaí continue to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy and the Irish Prison Service in the implementation of these operations”, a spokesperson added.
