Up to 90% of Ireland’s asylum seekers may have entered from Northern Ireland, data shows

The Guardian Politics Friday 12 June 2026, 04:00 UTC By Lisa O’Carroll Senior correspondent 1 min read

Key Points

Figures suggest common travel area being exploited in both directions, but particularly UK to IrelandUp to 90% of asylum seekers in Ireland may have entered the country via the Northern Ireland land border in the last three years, figures suggest. Irish government data shows the common travel area (CTA) is being exploited in both directions but suggests it may be more popular for those seeking asylum in Ireland than in the UK.

Figures suggest common travel area being exploited in both directions, but particularly UK to Ireland

Up to 90% of asylum seekers in Ireland may have entered the country via the Northern Ireland land border in the last three years, figures suggest.

Irish government data shows the common travel area (CTA) is being exploited in both directions but suggests it may be more popular for those seeking asylum in Ireland than in the UK.

Ireland (LOCATION) Northern Ireland (LOCATION) UK (LOCATION) IrelandUp to 90% (LOCATION) Irish (ORG) CTA (ORG)

Originally published by The Guardian Politics Read original →

Up to 90% of Ireland’s asylum seekers may have entered from Northern Ireland, data shows

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