Nigerians seeking asylum in Ireland will now be processed through a fast-tracked international protection system

Justice Minister Helen McEntee wants to apply accelerated system to countries with the largest number of arrivals

IRISH INDEPENDENT

[…] Current data shows there has been a significant number of people from Nigeria seeking international protection in Ireland since the start of the year. A third of all applicants since the start of the year have said they are seeking asylum after fleeing the country. In total, 2,053 Nigerians have sought asylum in Ireland this year.

Due to the high number arriving from the country, the Department of Justice will begin processing ­Nigerian applicants through the fast-track system.

This will mean those with a genuine case will be given protection within three months, while those seen as not presenting a genuine need for asylum will be given deportation orders. Those who receive deportation orders can appeal their cases but 80pc of asylum decisions are upheld.

There are concerns in Government over increasing levels of ­Nigerian people seeking protection. Government officials believe there are significant numbers of Nigerian migrants arriving in Ireland from Britain due to the post-Brexit clampdown on illegal immigration.