Discover the Number of Migrants to Ireland Last Year and the Asylum Seeker Count
In the past year, Ireland has witnessed significant demographic shifts, primarily driven by immigration. The latest statistics indicate an increase in the country’s population as well as in the number of asylum seekers. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has shed light on these developments, emphasizing the challenges associated with rapid growth.
Migrant and Asylum Seeker Statistics in Ireland
According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ireland’s population surged by 78,300 people over the 12 months ending in April 2023, reaching a total of 5,458,600. This represents a robust growth rate of 1.4%, significantly higher than the European Union average of 0.2%.
Immigration Figures
During the same period, a record 125,300 individuals migrated to Ireland. This marks the fourth consecutive year in which over 100,000 immigrants arrived. The breakdown of these immigrants is as follows:
- 31,500 were returning Irish citizens.
- 25,300 were other EU citizens.
- 4,900 were from the United Kingdom.
- 63,600 hailed from various other countries, including asylum seekers and those arriving through family reunification.
This influx includes individuals granted temporary protection status, work permits, and student visas. Although emigration saw a decline, with 65,600 people leaving Ireland during the same timeframe, the overall demographic landscape is shifting rapidly, largely due to immigration.
Asylum Seekers and Policy Changes
The Irish government is now focusing on refining its criteria for asylum seekers. Last year, about 23,000 individuals were granted permission to enter Ireland through family reunification. However, O’Callaghan announced plans to narrow these criteria, citing concerns about the surge in asylum applications.
Projected figures suggest around 13,000 asylum seekers might arrive this year, a drop from 18,000 in the previous year. Currently, approximately 81% of initial asylum claims are rejected, with 70% of those appealing the decision. This raises questions about the sustainability of the immigration system as well as public sentiment towards migration.
Population Growth and Its Implications
As O’Callaghan points out, Ireland’s growth rate of 1.6%—the highest in the European Union—poses significant capacity challenges. The government faces pressure to accommodate increasing numbers while balancing public opinion against migration. Ireland mirrors broader European trends, where electorates are increasingly demanding stricter immigration controls.
This dynamic creates a complex environment for migration policy, necessitating careful planning to address the needs of both newcomers and existing residents.
