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, deportation orders were issued after the individuals were found to be living illegally in the State and failed to take up the option of voluntary return to South Africa.
Following the orders, the Garda National Immigration Bureau carried out the operation on Thursday, removing 42 South African nationals from Ireland.
Among those deported were 27 adults, including nine men and 18 women, and 15 children travelling as part of family groups, while Irish authorities said two of the deportees had criminal convictions in Ireland.
The deportees were subsequently placed on a chartered flight, which left Dublin on Thursday afternoon and arrived in South Africa on Friday morning.
