World Immigration News

Ireland tightens immigration rules to check population growth

Release Date: 2025-11-26
Media: ALJAZEERA
Summary: Ireland has announced major reforms to its immigration and asylum systems, responding to rapid population growth and rising numbers of asylum seekers that are straining housing and public services. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the population grew by 1.6% last year—seven times the EU average—and described the pace as “worrying.”

Ireland’s population reached 5.46 million in April 2025. Net migration has nearly doubled since 2022, driven by work permits, family reunification, and Ukrainian refugees. Asylum claims also hit a record high in 2024, with 18,651 applications. Growing public tension has led to protests and riots, including a 1,000-person anti-immigration clash with police last month.

The new rules, approved by the cabinet, represent one of the biggest overhauls in years. Key measures include:

Requiring employed asylum seekers to contribute 10–40% of their weekly income toward state accommodation costs (affecting about 7,500 people).

Raising income thresholds for family reunification to at least the national median wage (over €44,000) and requiring adequate housing.

Toughening citizenship requirements for refugees: residency extended from 3 to 5 years, and long-term welfare recipients made ineligible.

Giving the government power to revoke asylum status for threats to national security or serious crimes.

Considering restrictions on student visas due to suspected abuse of education routes for long-term residency.

Irish leaders say the reforms also reflect increasing impacts from recent UK asylum system changes. Nearly 90% of asylum applicants in Ireland arrive via Northern Ireland, part of the UK. The government argues it must prepare for “knock-on effects” as UK policies tighten.
Tags: Ireland

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