Asylum Applications To Ireland Down In 2009

In all some 2,689 asylum applications were received in the State in 2009 representing a 30.5% decrease on the corresponding figure of 3,866 in 2008. There were 1,758 (65.4%) male and 931 (34.6%) female asylum applications in 2009 while the corresponding figures in 2008 were 2,469 (63.9%) male and 1,397 (36.1%) female applications.

The top five source nationalities for applications in 2009 were Nigeria with 569 (21.1%), Pakistan (9.6%), China (7.2%), DR Congo (3.8%) and Zimbabwe (3.4%). In 2008, Nigeria and Pakistan were also the largest and second largest source nationality, while China was the fifth largest nationality.

While asylum application numbers reached a peak of 11,634 in 2002, the number of applications since then has fallen continuously with the fall in applications in 2009 being the third largest in percentage terms. Indeed, asylum application numbers are now at levels not observed since the mid-nineties. Over the past ten years Nigerians have consistently been the largest single source nationality for asylum applications reaching a peak of nearly 40% of all applications in 2003 and being above one-third of all applications through the years 2001 to 2004.

Mr Ahern indicated that this reduction in the number of asylum applications over the years has resulted from the success of strategies aimed at combating across the spectrum abuses of the asylum process and the streamlining of processing arrangements in the asylum area.

Commenting on the statistics, Minister Ahern said: "I welcome the continuing decrease in asylum numbers particularly in light of the considerable challenge associated with the processing of these applications and related costs to the State.

"When compared to other EU member states Ireland experienced one of the largest percentage reductions in asylum applications in 2009. Indeed about 50% of EU member states experienced an increase in asylum application numbers last year.  

"This reduction is a reflection of the ongoing work within the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service including the asylum agencies to combat abuse and to improve the fairness, effectiveness and efficiency of procedures in this area.

"I might add that information available to us also suggests that many asylum applicants are economic migrants. Therefore it is possible that economic conditions in Ireland may have been a factor in the reduction in asylum application numbers in 2009.

"I am also pleased with the continued high level of success in effecting transfer orders signed under the Dublin II Regulation, which is a cornerstone of the European asylum system. These transfers reduce the number of asylum applications which have to be processed in the State and their associated cost."