By Teddy Nwanunobi
As South Africa faces renewed pressure over undocumented foreign nationals, after anti-migrant groups called for undocumented African nationals to leave the country by June 30, Ireland has deported 42 of its nationals who were living illegally in the country.
The deportation cost the Irish government an initial cost of €735,000 ($853,000), equivalent to about €17,500 ($20,087) for each person deported.
Daily NewsCraft reports that South Africa is facing renewed debate over migration, xenophobia, and the presence of undocumented foreign nationals.
As reported by 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.
“Gardaí continues 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.
South Africa is considered a safe country by the Irish State, according to the report, although South Africans can still apply for asylum in Ireland if they provide documentary proof that they are unsafe.
Daily NewsCraft reports that South Africa has also recorded repeated episodes of xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants, informal traders, and foreign-owned businesses.
The South African government has not issued an official national deadline of June 30, but the campaign has raised concern among migrant communities.
The return of the deported South Africans from Ireland will add another layer to the debate, as Pretoria faces pressure over citizens returning from abroad, while managing rising calls for action against undocumented migrants at home.