A group of South Africans living in Ireland, and on the country’s benefits, are facing deportation after the government raised issues about their asylum bid.
According to reports, authorities have rejected thousands of applications in their quest to halt international protection for “those who are not entitled to it.”
Those who seek asylum in the country are afforded housing, daily allowances for living costs, and access to education and healthcare.
They have been described as being a “burden” to the government.
ASYLUM SEEKERS IN IRELAND: ‘NO FUTURE FOR WHITE PEOPLE IN SA’
In a feature by Carte Blanche, two families living in Ireland have been threatened wth deportation.
The Rademeyrs and Pinards arrived in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Two of the family members have applied for work permits after awaiting extended processing time, and their benefits have subsequently been seized. Others still reside in state housing provided for individuals and families seeking international protection or asylum.
However, the Irish government reportedly found their application for asylum lacked evidence to prove that they are unsafe in their country. The families have since appealed the decision but face deportation at a moment’s notice.
Yolinda Pinard told the investigative show, “I won’t go back to South Africa. They assaulted me. I was nearly raped – and that was my last straw.
“There is too much going on at home, too much crime, and I won’t be able to handle that.”
Her unemployed son, Arend Pinard, said of being accused of being a “burden” on the government as an asylum seeker: “I would be angry as well. I never wanted to live off the government and live in their accommodation.
Image via Facebook
“That wasn’t my plan. I wanted to start working and contribute to the country, and live in my own house.
Angelique Rademeyr – who wants to bring all six of her children to Ireland – added: “I feel there is no future for us, especially for the white people in South Africa anymore”.
DEPORTATION AFTER ASYLUM REJECTION
According to the South African families in Ireland, they have been served with a deportation order, which they are appealing.
In the interim, they have to report to the local police station for a stay of execution.
Under a new Irish coalition government, more police officers have been deployed to tackle the deportation of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers, whose applications have been rejected.
According to the Irish Examiner, over 80% of applications for asylum seekers have been rejected at first instance. However, thousands of seekers remain in the country.
‘TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE COMING TO IRELAND’
Minister of Justice Jim O’Callaghan has stated that “too many people are coming to Ireland seeking international protection who are not entitled to it”.
He said earlier this year: “People who are really suffering from that, of course, are the people who are legitimately entitled to claim it, who may not be provided with accommodation because of the numbers that are coming in.
“In order for it to be given effect, we have to have a procedure which recognises that if you come in and you’re granted international protection, you stay, you’re welcome.
He added: “People coming to Ireland must follow the appropriate pathways for legal migration. And these pathways must be adhered to and protected for our immigration system to work fairly and effectively. If a person’s application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the state, they must do so”.
The Telegraph reports that anti-immigration protests from angry Irish citizens have turned into civil unrest, which was last seen during the country’s Troubles.
HOW MANY SAFFAS LIVE IN IRELAND?
According to many immigration agencies, Ireland is home to around 16 000 South Africans, likely including asylum seekers.
Job skills in sectors like engineering and construction, IT, finance, and security are in high demand.
DO YOU THINK SOUTH AFRICAN ASYLUM SEEKERS IN IRELAND SHOULD BE DEPORTED?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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